When we suffer from a cold we are often advised to have a glass of orange juice. This is because it’s rich in vitamin C. The role of vitamin C is to fight off infections by boosting the immune system. A glass of vitamin C of weight 8 ounces supplies 165% of the daily intake of vitamin C for females and 140% for men. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has a role in cell protection apart from boosting immunity.
It’s unclear that the consumption of orange juice helps to provide defense against infections as most of the studies are done with the supplements of vitamin C. In a review according to research when continuous supplements of vitamin c are taken on a daily basis for about 200 mg, it reduced the lengths of cold by about 8% in adults and 14% in children. Orange juice has several nutrients in it which helps to fight off different sorts of infections. Read Also 7 Days Fruit Diet Plan For Weight Loss
How Orange Juice is Good For Cold
Besides proving vitamin C, orange juice also contains potassium. Potassium is found in cells also in those cells which help in fighting off infections. Potassium has to be supplied through diet as our bodies naturally do not produce it. When 8 ounces of orange juice is consumed it supplies nearly about 20% of the daily intake of potassium for women and 15% of daily intake for men. Potassium is also important for maintaining osmotic balance. During cold fluids are lost from the body as a person sneezes when weather conditions are extreme. Read also Cinnamon For Weight Loss: Benefits & Recipes
Besides providing a wide range of vitamins, orange juice is as fluid as its water based. The role of water is to keep the body hydrated and transport nutrients throughout the body. As we are talking about water, it helps to meet the fluid balance as 8 glasses of water is recommended on daily basis. When compared with other beverages, orange juice helps to meet fluid balance and also maintains the level of potassium too. Read also Detox Water Recipes and Their Health Benefits
Apart from meeting potassium requirements, there are certain carotenoids that are present as beneficial plant compounds, named phytonutrients. They are later converted to vitamin A. although vitamin A has many roles, one of its roles is to even protect the ling of tissues that are present in the nose, and throat. These tissues act as germ barriers. Some plant compounds and carotenoids are even present in orange juice. Carotenoids that are present possess antioxidant properties which have a role in reducing inflammation. With the name Hesperidin, plant compounds are present which support the immune system read also Homemade Weight Loss Drinks Recipes
Immunity Boosting Drinks with Orange Juice
1. Orange juice smoothie
In a blender jar add some orange juice and add some strawberries. Add some yogurt to it along with some honey. Blend well with ice cubes. Smoothie is ready to be consumed.
2. Orange spritzer water
Take half glass of orange juice. Add some lemon juice to it. Then add some spritzer to it. Finally, add kiwi to it in sliced for, enjoy cold.
3. Orange juice pops
Take some orange juice and freeze them as orange pops. Then add these pops to a blender with some cold milk and enjoy. It can be even applied to the skin as well to add radiance and for the good health of the skin.
Other sources of vitamin C apart from orange juice
Experts say that no doubt orange juice has good amounts of vitamin C but have we ever noticed that it also contains sugars too. But do we know? A glass of orange juice contains 36 grams of carbohydrates and 9 grams of sugar in it. It’s absolutely more it makes the entire juice unhealthy enough. So, instead of running behind orange juice, there are other sources too that help to meet the vitamin C requirement read also 9 Days Flat Belly Challenge By Simply Fit Me
- Green peppers
- Cantaloupe
- Grapefruit
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Green leafy vegetables
- Garlic
Garlic is also wonderful for maintaining healthy immunity. Try to consume 4 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables along with immune-boosting drinks. 7 to 8 glasses of water should be consumed. Hot beverages also help to relieve symptoms of cold and cough. Ginger tea, cinnamon tea, and oregano tea greatly help to relieve symptoms of a cold. It’s good to sleep for 8 to 9 hours as sleep adequacy is very important which helps to provide a strong body. It’s also advisable to take vitamin D supplements of about 2000 to 4000 I.U on a daily basis.
Orange juice can be hydrating to drink, but for this who have sinus infections, it’s better to skip orange juice. Not only orange juice other juices also should be avoided. The reason is they are high in sugars which can cause inflammation in the sinus. Because of this, the condition can even worsen
It’s just a myth that many people are practicing. According to the myth consumption of orange juice, can help to clear the symptom of cold as its rich in vitamin C. But there’s a point to be noted that along with vitamin C it even contains sugars too which are not beneficial for such a condition. Therefore, oranges or orange juice won’t help to clear the symptoms of the cold.
