Orange juice is a vitamin C-rich beverage that is considered very good for cases of fever, flu, and fatigue. Orange juice has good antioxidant properties, so it is often used to help nourish and beautify the skin. Vitamin C in orange juice not only helps boost the immune system but also promotes wound healing. In addition, oranges contain a lot of folate, which is good for DNA synthesis. Orange juice is also rich in potassium, which is necessary for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance, and it has diuretic effects that help lower blood pressure.
Orange juice can also be a measure to help you understand your health better. If you suddenly crave orange juice, it may be because your body is experiencing some kind of imbalance that requires this type of water supplementation.
You are stressed
When stressed, the body craves sweet foods to boost energy to the brain. Although orange juice is rich in vitamins and minerals, it also contains a lot of sugar. Drinking orange juice can make you feel more comfortable. Therefore, when craving orange juice, it may be because your body is over fatigued. Take a look at your recent mental state. If you are too stressed, find a way to reduce the load.
When you are sick (fever, flu)
Colds are a common illness with characteristic symptoms such as a runny nose, stuffy nose, and fatigue, and are often associated with seasonal changes or cold weather. When you have a cold, you may have a craving for something, including orange juice. This is because your body is under stress fighting the disease and needs extra energy support. Furthermore, orange juice is easy to drink and relieves thirst, so it may be the body’s urge to replenish water and restore electrolyte balance. Studies have shown that about 8% of adults and 14% of children will recover from the flu sooner if they consume vitamin C regularly every day.
It may be due to an upset gut microbiome
It may be that for some reason, the change in gut bacteria will also make you crave orange juice. A study published in the journal BioEssays showed that the gut bacteria of each person is different. If there are more Prevotella and BioEssays bacteria in the gut, it can stimulate the craving for food or drinks, including orange juice. In that case, you should change your diet to supplement soluble fiber and foods rich in beneficial bacteria.
Orange juice is a good drink for your health. However, it is advisable to avoid drinking too much orange juice every day as they are not fully absorbed and can sometimes be harmful.
Avoid drinking orange juice before bedtime as they have diuretic properties and may make you urinate more, causing sleep disturbances.
Just one glass of 200ml orange juice a day is enough, for children it is recommended to consume half of this amount.
