Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by episodes or attacks of inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lung in response to asthma ‘triggers’. There is a general consistency in the evidence that an unhealthy diet seems to be associated with an increase risk of asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Many compounds found in citrus have been reported to have beneficial effects on inflammatory responses. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as a good source of potassium and contains other minerals and compounds such as, magnesium and flavonoids that have been shown to have possible beneficial effects on lung health.
Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. It is associated with a number of negative effects on health and well-being. There is increasing evidence that even mild dehydration, defined as a 1-2% loss in body mass caused by fluid loss can negatively impact the risk for various chronic diseases such as kidney stones, urinary tract infection, hypertension, pulmonary disorders and even coronary heart disease.Populations at particular risk of dehydration and its sequelae include the very young and the elderly.
Among the readily available beverages to fulfill hydration requirements orange juice is a healthy, flavorful, and nutrient-dense beverage. In addition, Florida orange juice is a convenient, fat and sodium free food composed of about 88% water plus natural vitamins, minerals and flavonoids. Orange juice contains about 10% carbohydrates, which includes one part of glucose, two parts of sucrose and only one part of fructose, and therefore should not be discounted as a fluid replacement beverage before, during and after exercise. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that water or other calorie-free beverages, along with fat-free or low-fat milk and 100% fruit juice, can help meet total water needs.
The immune system is a complex system of cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that work together to help protect the body against infections or diseases. Nutrition plays an important role in immunity because virtually every nutrient is needed to keep all of these cells and processes running properly. Especially important are vitamins A, B6, C, E, and folate, as well as the minerals iron, zinc, selenium, and copper. Several of these key nutrients are found in substantial amounts in citrus fruits and juices, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and carotenoidsÂ that can be converted to vitamin A in the body.
Vision, Taste, Hearing and Touch
The sensory evaluations of citrus products involves more than taste. It is also important for research to determine how humans perceive citrus products visually, aromatically, organoleptically (taste and smell combined), and even by touch/tactile sensations (citrus produces a recognizable ‘mouth feel’). Studies such as these may provide insight into how consumers are influenced by their sensory systems, as well as providing insight into the chemical responses and human sensory responses that change during the human lifespan.
Citrus components affecting the mechanisms of sensory systems that may change with age need to be better understood, and also to be correlated with other health benefits from citrus.
For a more in-depth review of various Other Health Issues and citrus benefits, please click here. (Link to Literature Reviews)
Nephrolithiasis (nef”ro-li-thi’ah-sis) is the formation of stones in the urinary tract commonly referred to as kidney stones. The development of the stones is related to decreased urine volume or increased excretion of stone-forming components such as calcium, oxalate and phosphate. Among Americans adults, the prevalence of kidney stones formation is 1 in 1000, with men being almost twice as likely as women to develop stones. A high fluid intake is normally the general advice given to patients for the prevention of stone recurrence regardless of stone composition. Citrate, the usual form of citric acid in solution, is a well known inhibitor of the formation of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones. Quantitative analysis revealed the highest concentration of citrate among juices was in grapefruit juice, followed by lemon juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. Based on the available data, patients with mild to moderate hypocitraturia (low citrate in urine) may benefit from dietary supplementation with citrus based juices.