New study shows that children and adults who consumed 100% orange juice had higher-quality diets
Great news for OJ lovers! A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition recently revealed that adults and children who regularly consumed 100% orange juice had higher quality diets, higher intakes of nutrients—including bioactive flavonoids—and lower intakes of added sugars. Importantly, there were no negative effects on body weight.
The FDOC funded study was conducted by researchers at the University of Washington and Albert Einstein College of Medicine by dietary data from almost 16,000 children and adults who participated in the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
“Orange juice consumers had diets with significantly higher amounts of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D (adults), when compared to non-consumers. No difference in dietary fiber intakes was observed, suggesting that 100% orange juice did not displace any fiber from the diet. Notably, orange juice consumers had diets with significantly less added sugars when compared to non-consumers.” – Florida Department of Citrus
The study found significantly higher intakes of flavanones and total flavonoids in orange juice consumers compared to non-consumers. Hesperidin, a flavanone found in citrus, has been linked with benefits in cardiovascular health, immune system function, bone health, cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and respiratory health.
Considering total fruit intake and key nutrients, orange juice may be a contributor to a healthier diet overall. Dr. Adam Drewnowski, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington and principal investigator on this study, found that orange juice consumption was associated with better diets, less added sugar, and did not affect body weight. “These results are consistent with the preponderance of research showing no negative effects of 100% fruit juice or orange juice consumption on body weight,” he adds.
In fact, characteristics of participants from the study indicated a relationship between higher fruit and fruit juice intake and lower BMI and waist circumference in adults. There were no differences in BMI scores or waist circumference between children who consumed 100% juice and those who did not.
“Just one-in-ten Americans meets their daily fruit intake as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines, missing out on key nutrients. A glass of 100% orange juice can help close that gap in a convenient, quick, and satisfying way without contributing to overweight or obesity when consumed as part of a healthy and calorie-appropriate diet.
Note: This study is cross-sectional in nature and, therefore, can only show associations and not cause and effect.” – Florida Department of Citrus
Sources: Florida Department of Citrus & Frontiers in Nutrition
