Orange juice is an integral part of any healthy diet from time immemorial. The flavor of orange is world's third favorite flavor next to chocolate and vanilla. Oranges have additional nutritional contents than other citrus fruits. This article discusses the major nutritional contents and health benefits of orange.

"Orange juice is a perfect food to make it easier for people to consume more omega-3s in the diet," said Mark Andon, PhD, director of nutrition for Tropicana. "Orange juice is the most popular juice in America and the benefits of drinking Tropicana Healthy Heart with Omega-3s build on the other heart health benefits of orange juice, including it being a sodium and saturated-fat-free food and supplying a good source of potassium."

The major nutritional content in oranges is Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant neutralizes harmful elements within the body. Vitamin C also stimulates the absorption of non-heme iron and thus reduces the iron deficiency. As a whole the Vitamin C content in orange fruits keep your immune system strong and healthy.

A glass of orange juice (240 milliliter or 8 oz.) supplies 100% or more of the daily value for vitamin C, a valuable "antioxidant". Scientists believe that antioxidants may counteract the harmful molecules called "free radicals," which they believe may contribute to the onset of several major diseases. Vitamin C also helps maintain collagen, the substance that helps the human body repair body tissue.

Why do we need vitamin C?

As one of the most powerful antioxidants, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals to help fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin C also helps the body fight infection

Vitamin C is essential for both the expectant mother and baby as it is the cementing agent that holds new cells together. It helps babies grow and build strong bones and teeth. And, vitamin C helps the expectant mother's body absorb iron.

Citrus juices like orange juice are natural sources of potassium, and all citrus fruit are sodium and cholesterol-free. Research shows that a balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in fat can help maintain a healthy weight.

Evidence also suggests that nutrients found in orange juice, such as potassium, folic acid and vitamin C, may provide protection against cardiovascular disease. One study demonstrated that drinking three 8-ounce glasses of orange juice a day increased HDL ("good") cholesterol by 21% and reduced LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 16%. Additionally, the serum levels of vitamin C and folate also increased.

Orange juice does have vitamins that can help prevent some cancers, but so do all sorts of fruits and vegetables, a nutritionist said.

Fresh juices are a tremendous source of enzymes. In fact, the "freshness" of juice is one of their key features, because enzymes are destroyed by heat. When you eat cooked foods, whether its meal, grains, fruits, or vegetables, if the food is cooked at temperatures above 114 degrees, the enzymes have been destroyed by the heat. Since fruits and vegetables are juiced raw, the enzymes are still viable when you drink the juice.