Orange juice may have mental health benefits
Beneficial flavonoids in the beverage are metabolized by gut bacteria, says UCI Health dietitian
IN THE NEWS: While the jury may still be out on whether orange juice is actually healthy, a new study suggests that drinking it could benefit one’s mental health.
Amber Isenhart, MS, RD, a registered dietitian nutritionist with the UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute, spoke to Verywell Health about the flavonoids in orange juice and how they benefit bacteria in the gut. She was not involved with the research.
“Flavonoids are metabolized by the gut, which can improve neurotransmission and brain signaling and potentially impact your mental health.”
Isenhart says a daily glass of orange juice is fine because it contains natural sugars. Instead, she advises reading the label, watching for harmful added sugars in the juice. Depending on energy needs, she says, one’s daily intake of added sugars should be between 25 and 36 grams.
Make an appointment at the Chao Digestive Health Institute by calling 888-717-4463.
About UCI Health
UCI Health is one of California’s largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,513-bed health system that includes UCI Health — Orange, UCI Health — Irvine, its newest facility, UCI Health — Irvine Rehabilitation Hospital, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education. Follow UCI Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.