It's no surprise orange juice reigns as the best-selling fruit juice in the United States. Its savory and refreshing taste, along with its marketed health benefits, have made the drink a mainstay of many people's diets.
But does the drink live up to its healthy reputation, and is it OK to drink orange juice every day?
For the most part, yes, but with some caveats, experts say. Orange juice – rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate and sometimes vitamin D – has solid nutritional benefits that can bolster your immune system and your skin health. But like most good things, it's best consumed in moderation.
About 4 to 8 ounces (or a cup) of orange juice daily is fine as long as it isn’t a primary source of hydration, said Rachael Ajmera, a dietitian who runs the website Nutrimental.
Orange juice is high in sugar and low in fiber compared to fresh fruits, and can cause blood sugar levels to spike. This is especially true if a person is drinking it by itself, Ajmera said. Each serving also contains a good amount of calories, and given it isn’t particularly filling, Ajmera said it can be easy to go “overboard,” leading to weight gain if adjustments aren’t made to the rest of your diet.
