Celebrate National OJ Day With a Glass of Florida Orange Juice
We all know that certain days of the year call for some major celebrations. From February 14 being a time to exchange heart-shaped cards to July 4 being a time to don your best red, white, and blue outfit and light some fireworks, there are other times of the year that rarely get passed by without some commemoration.
And just like October 31 is reserved for dressing up in costume and eating candy, May 4 is kept as a day to celebrate our favorite citrus drink that we have known and loved for years, thanks to it being National OJ Day. As a registered dietitian, I love celebrating National OJ Day, as I have a glass of this juice every single day to help me meet my fruit intake goal while providing my body with nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, thiamin, and folate – all in a delicious package with no added sugars.
So, why so much love for Florida Orange Juice? Read on to learn all about why I make a point to celebrate National OJ Day and include a serving of this natural juice in my overall healthy diet.
Florida OJ Supports The Immune System Throughout The Year
The immune system is complex and needs a constant supply of essential nutrients to support its function. Florida OJ provides key nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, and thiamin, as well as vitamin D (in fortified juices) to help keep the immune system in-check. Plus, a unique polyphenol found in 100% OJ called hesperidin may have a number of benefits to the immune system as well, including helping to fight inflammation.
Drinking a glass of 100% OJ every morning helps ensure that my body is receiving these key nutrients.
Florida OJ Can Enhance Water Intake and Help Maintain Hydration
Florida Orange Juice is naturally sweet and contains no added sugar, while being naturally comprised of almost 90% water. 100% OJ can help support hydration not only because of the water content, but also because it naturally contains several electrolytes, including potassium, calcium (in fortified juices), and magnesium in smaller amounts, to aid in fluid balance. Pairing 100% orange juice with water can help maintain proper hydration, especially during the warmer months when we need to ensure our fluid balance is a-ok.
Bonus? When it is super-hot out, freezing 100% OJ in popsicle molds makes for an icy treat that is hydrating and delicious too.
Florida OJ May Help Maintain Skin Health
While drinking 100% orange juice won’t guarantee skin that is free from all fine lines and wrinkles, the nutrients found in this drink may help maintain skin health in a natural way, thanks to a variety of reasons. From the vitamin C that supports collagen production to carotenoids that fight free radicals that may damage the skin, sipping on Florida Orange Juice may help nourish skin from the inside out.
Florida OJ May Help Manage Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to some unsavory outcomes, including an increased risk of certain cancers, stroke and Type 2 Diabetes. Thankfully, Florida Orange Juice contains a hesperidin flavonoid that may offer anti-inflammatory benefits when consumed in certain amounts. According to results of a scoping review, systematic review and meta-analysis, orange juice didn’t have any negative effects on inflammation, and in some cases, helped combat this effect.
While experiencing chronic inflammation may be a result of many factors, including 100% OJ in a healthy diet may be one simple way to help combat this condition.
Celebrate National OJ Day With A Glass of Florida OJ
Florida Orange Juice is The Original Wellness Drink for good reason! It is thirst quenching, contains natural sweetness that helps satisfy a sweet tooth, and fuels the body with a slew of important nutrients. Taking time to celebrate National OJ Day with a glass of Florida OJ is one way to remind yourself why you have been loving this citrus drink, and why you should be continuing to include it in your daily life.
This blog post was created in partnership with the Florida Department of Citrus