Sip On Some Orange Juice Next Time You’re Feeling Stressed

Reader Contribution by Justine Patton
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The impact of the holiday season may leave some feeling stressed long after the last piece of pecan pie has been eaten. Those people could benefit from pouring themselves a tall glass of one of America’s favorite breakfast beverages: orange juice.

Why orange juice, you ask? Researchers at the University of Alabama found that vitamin C significantly reduced the levels of stress hormone in the blood of laboratory rats. In addition, the vitamin C dosage lessened other typical signs of physical and emotional stress, such as enlargement of the adrenal glands and weight loss. One cup of orange juice provides 161 percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin C.

So why not simply pop a few vitamin C supplements? Studies have shown that drinking a glass of orange juice actually provides more protective factors than simply taking a pill.

 
When you’re feeling stressed, drink orange juice to calm your nerves.
Photo by mhaithica/Courtesy Flickr

Sipping on some OJ throughout the day will provide your body with more than a relaxed state of mind. The orange stuff protects your body with antioxidant properties. It can also help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. As you enter your golden years, a diet rich in orange juice helps prevent cataracts. And, a reduced risk of colon cancer, in addition to reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are also enjoyed by frequent orange juice indulgers.

Making your own orange juice at home is a simple task that takes only minutes. I’ve included these easy, step-by-step instructions below.

Fresh-squeezed Orange Juice 

MAKES 1 1/2 CUPS

• 4 oranges

1. Lightly smack the four oranges on the counter.

2. Cut each one in half, and squeeze into a glass.

3. You may also use a citrus reamer to do this. If you want less pulp, use a hand juicer with a strainer.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, give this Orange Julius recipe a try.

Orange Julius 

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

• 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup lowfat milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 ice cubes

1. Combine all ingredients, except ice cubes, in blender.

2. Blend 1 to 2 minutes, adding ice cubes one at a time, until smooth.

If your taste buds aren’t in love with the flavors, of citrus, try combining orange juice in a smoothie to mask the taste, like in this Vitamin C Super Smoothie. Enjoy!

  • Published on Dec 28, 2011
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
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