HEALTH PROMOTING CHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF ORANGE JUICE

Citrus fruit or juice can be an excellent source of health-promoting substances at breakfast. A 150–200 ml glass of orange juice daily provides many nutrients required for good human health. As has been reported, vitamin C, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate are present in oranges. Citrus juices also provide minerals — calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and phosphorous, which are part of the vital enzyme system of the human body. In addition, several compounds — flavonoids and other health-promoting substances are present in citrus fruit. There are hundreds of useful products and substances with properties, which have origin in citrus products. There are also many patents for helpful products to be made from citrus substances. Treatment of major inflammation-related ailments target on phytochemicals involved in oxidative stress, metabolic syndrome (diabetes), cardiovascular diseases, bone health (osteoporosis), skin aging, cognitive function and brain diseases, aging, allergy and immune function and cancer. A clinical study published shows that orange juice and hesperidin increase nitric oxide production in human. Orange juices have been shown to provide several important health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system, bone and skin health, brain health, cognitive functions, aging, and also cancer. However, the number of clinical studies available remains limited and significant efforts are necessary to provide irrefutable proof of these benefits in human.