Sunshine In Your Body: Orange Juice

Orange juice has always been a hit with Americans. Today, OJ is the number 3 beverage in America. 100% orange juice provides numerous vitamins and minerals and is fat free, saturated fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free.

St. Augustine, Florida is one of my favorite places on earth. I have often said that I would like to live there and perhaps one day I will. But that will have to be down the road a bit. For now I am content to live in the foothills of the north Georgia Mountains. I was more than pleased when I read that early Spanish explorers planted the first orange trees around St. Augustine in the 1500's. The sub-tropical climate of Florida and heavy rain helped the juiciest oranges to grow in that area. Today, most of the orange groves are in the lower 2/3rds of the state.

Some parents have expressed concern that OJ can have a negative impact on the weight of their children. However studies do not support the idea that increased orange juice intake and weight-gain go hand in hand. What could be better for your children that a rich, natural product with all the vitamin C they need daily and with no added sugars. Just think, 8 ounces is just 110 calories! Let's look at the nutrient value in fresh orange juice.

• Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants and helps to support a healthy immune system.
• Folic acid is an essential acid for healthy red blood cells. It may also lower homocysteine levels in the blood.
• Potassium is important in helping to reduce high blood pressure and strokes.
• Vitamin B6 is needed for the production of new cells, including healthy red blood cells.
• Thiamine is associated with the action of many enzyme systems and the conversion of food into energy.

When you measure the effect of orange juice on the whole body, it is hard to beat. Not only is OJ delicious, it is good for you too. How many foods can you compare with the good old-fashioned glass of orange juice? Not many. Orange juice is simply a taste of sunshine.

If you are in the market for a great juicer, be sure to check the variety of fruit, vegetable, citrus and wheatrass juicers at Healthy Kitchen Plus. There you will find the right choice to suit your lifestyle.