Orange juice has long sparked nutritional debate due to its sugar content, but a recent study suggests that consuming 100% natural fruit juice as part of a balanced diet may be linked to mental health benefits, in addition to its nutritional value.
اضافة اعلان
The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, followed 42 adults in the United Kingdom aged between 18 and 65, whose diets were lacking in fruits and vegetables.
Participants were divided into three groups for 4 weeks: the first continued their usual diet, while the second increased their fruit and vegetable intake to 5 servings a day. The third followed the same regimen but was allowed to count about 150 ml of 100% natural fruit juice or smoothie toward their daily servings.
The results showed a slight improvement in depression indicators in both groups that increased their fruit and vegetable consumption, while the juice and smoothie group recorded a greater improvement in mental health indicators.
How does orange juice affect mood?
Nutritional explanations suggest that the flavonoid compounds found in orange juice may support brain function and regulate the gut microbiome, which could affect neural communication and mood.
The juice also provides vitamin C and folic acid, two elements linked to important functions in the body and brain. Vitamin C deficiency may be linked to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and low mood, while folic acid contributes to the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
Can you drink a cup daily?
100% natural fruit juice can be part of a balanced diet, but it's preferable to consume it alongside whole fruits, vegetables, and protein sources, while paying attention to quantity and avoiding varieties with added sugars.
The study does not prove that orange juice treats depression, but it suggests a possible link between consuming it as part of a healthy diet and improvement in certain mental health indicators.
Resource: Al-Ghad.
