Australia's Anna Osborne sparked a lot of interest on social media after she claimed she drank only orange juice for 40 days straight and felt healthier than ever. The woman promotes a fruitarian lifestyle on her Instagram account – a diet based solely on fruit , according to reports in USA Today.
Health experts warn that this extreme diet does not meet all the body's nutritional and caloric needs, but many, like Osborne, are drawn to these types of challenges. She shared with her followers the 40-day "cleansing" experience using orange juice and according to her, this process allowed her to experience "significant improvement on the emotional, physical and spiritual level".
There is no doubt that orange juice is rich in vitamin C which is essential for strengthening the immune system, heart health and collagen production. It also acts as an antioxidant that protects the cells from free radical damage. However, it is important to note that the body does not produce vitamin C naturally, so it must be consumed from foods but it is recommended to avoid excess consumption. Over 2,000 mg of vitamin C may cause health problems such as kidney stones or indigestion.
Osborne stated that she sometimes consumes up to five liters of orange juice a day, which is equivalent to about 2,620 mg of vitamin C – an amount significantly higher than recommended. Furthermore, drinking a lot of juice, which can be high in sugar, is less beneficial than eating whole fruits. The reason for this It is a fruit juice without dietary fiber which is essential for slowing down the absorption of sugars and reducing the glycemic load.
As a result, orange juice, even when it is not sweetened, may lead to sharp increases in blood sugar levels. Another danger in excessive consumption of orange juice is the high acidity of the citrus fruits, which can damage the enamel of the teeth and cause heartburn.
In conclusion, while orange juice may offer certain health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of foods. Extreme consumption of orange juice, as Osborne described, is not recommended and can lead to significant health risks.