Many people drink orange juice every day to supplement their vitamin C intake, which supports immune, cardiovascular, and gut health, and provides energy.
Now, new research published in the British Journal of Nutrition has uncovered another potential benefit of this beverage for mental health.
The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Liverpool and Newcastle University (UK), involved 42 participants aged 18-65 who had diets low in fruits and vegetables.
New research uncovers another potential benefit of orange juice for mental health.
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The participants were divided into 3 groups:
- Group 1: Maintain your normal diet.
- Group 2: Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables to 5 servings per day.
- Group 3: Also supplement with 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day, with 1 serving of fruit being 150 ml of pure orange juice or juice/smoothie of another fruit.
Orange juice can offer benefits for mental health.
After four weeks of monitoring, researchers found that both Group 2 and Group 3 showed improvement in their depressive symptoms.
Notably, the group that supplemented with orange juice or fruit smoothies reported more significant improvements in mental health, with symptoms of depression noticeably reduced, according to the health news site Verywell Health .
These results suggest that not only increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet, but also choosing certain fruits in the form of pure juice may be associated with mental health.
However, the study was small in scale and had a short follow-up period, so further research is needed to clearly determine the extent and mechanism of the impact.
What role might flavonoids in orange juice play?
Experts explain that orange juice contains a high amount of flavonoids. These are a group of plant compounds that are metabolized by the body, including processes that take place in the intestines.
These compounds can promote the activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, affect neurotransmission and signals between the gut and the brain, and potentially impact mood.
In addition, orange juice is rich in vitamin C. This nutrient is essential for many bodily functions, while oranges also provide folate.
Folate is involved in many important metabolic processes, including the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine—substances linked to mood and brain function.
Is 150 ml of orange juice a day enough?
Researchers concluded that adding a small serving, about 150 ml, of pure orange juice or orange juice daily, in conjunction with a plant-based diet, can help boost nutrient intake and is associated with reduced depression scores and improved mental health.
However, orange juice is not a cure for depression. Individuals experiencing persistent or life-altering symptoms of depression should seek appropriate evaluation and advice from a doctor or mental health professional.
When choosing orange juice, prioritize pure, unsweetened juice and control your portion sizes to avoid consuming too much natural sugar at once.