Orange Juice: Five Surprising Health Benefits — Questions & Answers

Explore the five key health benefits of orange juice, including its nutrient content, heart health support, and potential to help prevent kidney stones and inflammation.

This quiz contains 8 questions. Below is a complete reference of all questions, answer choices, and correct answers. You can use this section to review after taking the interactive quiz above.

1. Question 1: Essential Nutrients in Orange Juice

   Which nutrient is found in the highest percentage of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) in an 8-ounce serving of orange juice?

   • Magnesium
   • Potassium
   • Vitamin C
   • Folate
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   Correct answer: Vitamin C

   Explanation: Vitamin C is present at 67% of the RDI, significantly higher than folate (15%), potassium (10%), or magnesium (6%) in an 8-ounce serving. Therefore, vitamin C is the correct choice, whereas the other nutrients are present in smaller proportions.

2. Question 2: Antioxidant Role

   What is a main reason antioxidants in orange juice are beneficial for health?

   • They add extra calories for energy
   • They neutralize the taste of bitterness
   • They protect against oxidative damage from free radicals
   • They increase blood sugar instantly
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   Correct answer: They protect against oxidative damage from free radicals

   Explanation: Antioxidants in orange juice protect the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Raising blood sugar, adding calories, or changing taste are not primary benefits related to antioxidants.

3. Question 3: Prevention of Kidney Stones

   How does orange juice help in lowering the risk of developing kidney stones?

   • It raises urine pH to be more alkaline
   • It contains extra calcium for the kidneys
   • It contains a mild diuretic
   • It helps flush out the bladder
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   Correct answer: It raises urine pH to be more alkaline

   Explanation: Orange juice helps by raising urine pH, making it more alkaline, which can prevent kidney stone formation. The juice is not primarily helpful because of extra calcium, flushing, or diuretic properties.

4. Question 4: Impact on Heart Health

   Drinking orange juice regularly may help heart health by producing which of the following effects?

   • Increasing blood clot risk
   • Lowering total and LDL cholesterol
   • Raising only blood pressure
   • Decreasing lung capacity
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   Correct answer: Lowering total and LDL cholesterol

   Explanation: Orange juice has been linked to lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and improved diastolic blood pressure. Increasing clot risk, raising only blood pressure, or affecting lung capacity are not benefits highlighted here.

5. Question 5: Inflammatory Marker Reduction

   Which effect does orange juice have on inflammation-related markers in the body?

   • It can lower levels of markers such as CRP and IL-6
   • It has no effect on inflammation
   • It raises only TNF-α without other benefits
   • It raises inflammatory markers to fight infection
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   Correct answer: It can lower levels of markers such as CRP and IL-6

   Explanation: Orange juice has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce specific markers like CRP and IL-6. Raising markers or having no effect are incorrect, and it does not selectively increase TNF-α alone.

6. Question 6: Good vs Bad Cholesterol

   According to studies, what change can orange juice consumption make in HDL ('good') cholesterol levels?

   • It does not affect cholesterol at all
   • It can help raise HDL cholesterol in those with elevated cholesterol
   • It always lowers HDL cholesterol
   • It only increases LDL cholesterol
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   Correct answer: It can help raise HDL cholesterol in those with elevated cholesterol

   Explanation: Research shows that orange juice can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels in individuals with elevated cholesterol. It does not lower HDL, has an effect on cholesterol, and does not raise only LDL cholesterol.

7. Question 7: Serving Size in Health Benefits

   In one study, adults consumed 20 ounces (591 ml) of orange juice daily for 90 days. What was a key result?

   • Their magnesium levels dropped significantly
   • They experienced enhanced general antioxidant status
   • They developed a dislike for orange juice
   • Their protein intake exceeded daily needs
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   Correct answer: They experienced enhanced general antioxidant status

   Explanation: Regular orange juice intake was linked to improved antioxidant status. Other options are not mentioned: no significant decrease in magnesium or protein excess, and no report of dislike for orange juice.

8. Question 8: Nutrients Supplemented in Commercial Juices

   Which nutrients are often added to commercial orange juice in addition to those naturally present?

   • Vitamin D and calcium
   • Zinc and iron
   • Iodine and sodium
   • Vitamin B12 and copper
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   Correct answer: Vitamin D and calcium

   Explanation: Commercial orange juice is commonly fortified with vitamin D and calcium. Zinc, iron, vitamin B12, copper, iodine, or sodium are not standard additions mentioned.