Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and potassium. It is also an important natural source of folic acid (Vitamin B₉), which is recommended for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.¹ Citrus juices contain flavonoids that are believed to have beneficial health effects. However, if drunk on an empty stomach, orange juice can exacerbate present gastro-intestinal conditions and/or cause mild and temporary stomach upset. Due to the citric acid, orange juice typically has a pH of 3.5.² Drinking or sipping orange juice can therefore cause erosion of the tooth enamel, otherwise known as 'acid erosion'. It is recommended to use a straw so that the juice does not come into contact with the teeth.³ 200 ml of orange juice accounts for 1 of the recommended 5 pieces of fruit a day.

References

1. ^ "Folate (folic acid)". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on 2007-01-16.
2. ^ "Acids". British Soft Drinks Association. Retrieved on 2006-09-12.
3. ^ aciderosion.co.uk Acid erosion and abrasion:Prevention

External links

• Orange juice production Production process and distinction between juice products.
• Bottled Sunshine... A Juicy Story Brief film clip of orange juice processing from 1968. From the State Library & Archives of Florida.
• Natural orange juice processing Industrial processing of natural orange juice.

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Orange juice