At least 170 phytochemicals have been identified in orange juice. Orange juice also contains vitamin C, carotenoids and fiber. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that drinking one extra glass of citrus juice reduces the risk of stroke by about 20 percent.
According to the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, research in Israel links orange juice with a reduction of the harmful cholesterol oxidation that promotes atherosclerosis. A Canadian study shows that orange juice boosts levels of HDL — the “good” cholesterol.
Want more? A Dutch study found that citrus, because of its B vitamin folic acid, lowers blood levels of homocystine, a substance that may increase the risk of heart disease.
Oranges contain the carotenoids beta cryptoxanthin, which may reduce the risk of colon caner, and zeaxanthin and lutein, which may protect eye health.