Boosting your Immune Response with Freshly Juiced Oranges

The immune system protects the host from dangerous microorganisms. A weak immune system makes you more vulnerable to pathogens and permits infections to worsen. Inflammation is one aspect of the immune reaction. Excessive or uncontrolled inflammation can destroy host tissues and lead to infections. One way to manage inflammation is to limit oxidative damage.

Citrus fruit juices are high in vitamin C and folate, which help to maintain the integrity of immune barriers and support the activity of phagocytes, natural killer cells, T-cells, and B-cells. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to decrease inflammation.

Drinking orange juice is thought to boost the immune system because it's high in immune-supporting elements like vitamin C and folate. Science is now confirming this. 



According to recent research, natural compounds in citrus juice, such as orange juice, may improve immunity and reduce inflammation[1]. 

European researchers for this study assessed over 200 studies. The findings revealed that orange juice includes micronutrients and other bioactive substances that help to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation while also strengthening the immune system. 

While vitamin C's link to a healthy immune system is well recognized, it was observed that when combined with vitamin C, Hesperidin, which is almost solely found in orange juice and oranges, might promote antioxidant activities in the body, which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

HOW DOES CITRUS SUPPORT IMMUNE HEALTH?

CAN DRINKING ORANGE JUICE PROTECT AGAINST VIRUSES?

Many people focus on keeping their immune systems strong to protect from viruses. While having a robust immune system isn't a guarantee that you won't become sick, it will help if you do. 



According to the researchers, preliminary evidence suggests that consuming orange juice may protect against viruses. However, significant human clinical trials would be required to ascertain whether or not this is true. Some modeling experiments suggested that hesperidin, an antioxidant found in citrus, might interfere with the virus's entry into host cells, making infection more difficult to occur [4]. 

WILL ORANGE JUICE HELP YOU RECOVER FROM VIRAL INFECTIONS FASTER?

In the same way, laboratory investigations have discovered that hesperidin and naringenin, two important components contained in orange juice, can stop the virus from replicating [5]. While none of these findings are conclusive, this preliminary research implies that there is no harm in including orange juice in your diet.

Endpoint:

Orange juice is an antioxidant-rich beverage containing micronutrients like vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Regular use has been linked to various health advantages, including enhanced heart health, reduced inflammation, and a lower chance of kidney stones. If you want to boost your immune system's ability to fight infection, drink orange juice.

Always opt for juicing your oranges fresh with organic oranges when available, as this will provide you with the quality of available nutrients.

References:

1. Miles, E. A., & Calder, P. C. (2021). Effects of Citrus Fruit Juices and Their Bioactive Components on Inflammation and Immunity: A Narrative Review. Frontiers in immunology, 12, 712608. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.712608
2. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
3. Gombart, A. F., Pierre, A., & Maggini, S. (2020). A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients, 12(1), 236. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010236
4. Wu, Canrong, et al. "Analysis of therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 and discovery of potential drugs by computational methods." Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 10.5 (2020): 766-788. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32292689/
5. Lin, C. W., Tsai, F. J., Tsai, C. H., Lai, C. C., Wan, L., Ho, T. Y., Hsieh, C. C., & Chao, P. D. (2005). Anti-SARS coronavirus 3C-like protease effects of Isatis indigotica root and plant-derived phenolic compounds. Antiviral research, 68(1), 36–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2005.07.002