Orange juice does NOT prevent or cure cold or flu
How many times have you taken an orange juice thinking that it would help prevent or cure that annoying cold or flu, which always seem to "stalk" after the arrival of autumn and winter. This is undoubtedly a widespread belief in many houses and homes in our country, especially since the mid-twentieth century biochemist Linus Pauling claimed that vitamin C strengthened the immune system and prevented the flu.
While it is true that vitamin C is good for the proper functioning of our immune system, given that a lack of this vitamin causes a decrease in its effectiveness (among other negative effects), It is a mistake to think that both orange and orange juice help prevent and cure flu and colds. In short, that vitamin C acts that way.
The conclusion is found in a review of a total of 24 scientific studies that was conducted in 2007, which showed that in reality Vitamin C does not cure or prevent cold or flu.
Indeed, the objective of this review was precisely that: to determine whether vitamin C administered orally in a dose of 200 mg. -Or more quantity- a day reduced the incidence, duration or severity of common colds. And to reach a conclusion we analyzed 24 studies that had been carried out so far.
In these studies the conclusion was similar: taking vitamin C does not help prevent, cure, or shorten the common cold or flu, compared to taking a placebo. In fact, in many cases an excess in the consumption of this vitamin, far from being beneficial only produces negative effects on our body, such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal damage.
Of course, although vitamin C is not useful for the prevention or cure of the common cold or flu, it does help to strengthen the immune system and increase defenses, which reduces the risk of suffering them.
Therefore, although it is true that following a normal and balanced diet you may already obtain the recommended daily amounts of vitamin C that your body needs, if you love to eat oranges or kiwis and also their juices there is no reason to stop doing so. In fact, they are highly adequate, healthy and natural foods and beverages. Of course, taking into account that they do not help prevent or cure colds, so that only drink a lot of water -for mucus-, a little lemon juice and honey -for coughing and pain of guarantee- and have Patience will be the best allies for your healing.
Image | Lisa Murray This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFlu
