Five Great Reasons to Drink OJ!

Why drink fresh orange juice? It is just plain good. That is the best thing you can say about orange juice. Frozen and reconstituted orange juice is OK, but there is nothing on earth as sweet and thirst quenching as a freshly squeezed orange juice. The very best size is a medium-sized orange and it takes 3 to 4 to give you eight sweet ounces.

They are best if juiced at room temperature or slightly warmer because the orange has more juice yield if the orange is warm. Storing them in the refrigerator will guarantee longer shelf life, but there is nothing quite like an orange at room temperature. Have you ever had the opportunity to pick an orange off the tree and squeeze it into your mouth out in the field? I have and there is no refrigeration out there and it just tastes great. In fact it is the best taste I have ever had.

Eight ounce of fresh orange juice is an outstanding source of vitamin C. You can expect to get at least 100 percent of the daily value of this important antioxidant in 8 ounces. As a bonus you will also get nutrients such as:

Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants and helps to support a healthy immune system.

Folic acid is an essential acid for healthy red blood cells. It may also lower homocysteine levels in the blood.

Potassium is important in helping to reduce high blood pressure and strokes.

Vitamin B6 is needed for the production of new cells, including healthy red blood cells.

Thiamine is associated with the action of many enzyme systems and the conversion of food into energy.

The best part is that 8 ounces of fresh OJ is about 110 calories. Compare that to a soft drink that is filled with sugar. A freshly squeezed orange has no added sugar; it is just a light, lifting, sweet taste that is all natural. According to the Journal of Food Science, 100% orange juice is more nutrient rich than many other fruit juices like apple, pineapple, prune, and grape juices.

You can buy fresh and frozen juices at the grocery, but there is nothing compares with fresh OJ that you squeeze. If you are in the market for a top rate citrus juicer, you can find the Citristar 1000 at Healthy Kitchens Plus. It is the top of the line and will give you years of service for all your citrus juicing needs.