Comparing Fresh OJ vs. Sports Drinks
In Canada and globally, fresh orange juice like Jusfres and sports drinks are very popular beverages among both athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Fresh OJ vs. Sports drinks is an ongoing conversation to determine the winner for an active lifestyle. Both beverages can usually be obtained from the vending machine and offer hydration as well as electrolytes. However, there are very key differences that exist between them.
While fresh orange juice is a natural source of glucose which can help in replenishing energy levels during or after an exercise session, sports drinks, on the other hand, are designed to provide quick bursts of energy and often contain artificial ingredients and added sugars. The better choice between the two may come down to individual preference and personal needs. If the individual is looking for a natural source of hydration, then fresh orange juice is the best source for it. However, if they are after a quick pick-me-up before or during an exercise, a sports drink may be their choice.
Freshly squeezed orange juice
This is a great drink if not one of the best for athletes. Orange juice, especially when freshly squeezed or gotten from orange juice vending machines (Jusfres), contains a significant amount of vitamin C. Orange juice is one of the most important and readily available sources of Vitamin C which is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system(1). It also contains a significant amount of potassium which is an important electrolyte that is required after an intense workout. Also, because it is freshly squeezed, it does not contain any additives, preservatives or flavouring. Drinking them promotes energy production, improves hydration levels as well as reduces the chemical toxins in the body. Additionally, freshly squeezed orange juice is delicious and has a refreshing taste that is unique and cannot be matched by any other type of sports drink.
Health-related benefits of freshly squeezed orange juice
Some other health-related benefits of freshly squeezed orange juice include:
- Increases energy – This is due to the presence of the natural sugar content. They can provide a quick and natural energy boost without the crash that is usually noticed in other sports drinks.
- Hydrates the body – Freshly squeezed orange juices are a great way to keep the body hydrated and replenish any lost electrolytes, especially after a workout.
- Helps in weight loss – This is because freshly squeezed orange juice is very low in calories and very high in nutrients. This makes it a great addition to any weight-loss diet.
- Reduces inflammation – There are anti-inflammatory components in freshly squeezed orange juice that boost the immune system and help to reduce inflammatory conditions. It also helps in improving cardiac health(2).
- Helps with digestion – Freshly squeezed orange juice contains a lot of enzymes that aid in digestion, also making it easier for the body to absorb more nutrients.
- Promotes healthy skin – There are antioxidants in freshly squeezed orange juices that protect and improve the skin by reducing any inflammatory conditions.
Making freshly squeezed orange juice at home
It is easier than one might think to make freshly squeezed orange juice at home. This can be used in place of energy drinks in the daily workout sessions. Some tips and tricks include:
- The first and probably the most important tip is choosing the best types of oranges and tangerines for juicing. They will impact greatly the taste and flavor of the juice.
- The second step is using a juicer or a blender to extract the juice from the fruit. A juicer will produce smoother and more pulp-free juice, while a blender will leave some pulp and fibre.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice when stored in an airtight container and placed in a refrigerator can last for up to three days. It is important to shake the container before serving; this is to shake up any pulp that may have settled.
- The freshly squeezed juice can be enjoyed alone, or it can be mixed with other fruits and vegetables to create a delicious and healthy smoothie.
Sports drinks
It is important to be aware of the advantages and the disadvantages of sports drinks from vending machines to properly determine what exactly they do in the body.
Some pros of energy drinks include:
- Can improve mood and attitude – They provide a high which makes the individual feel that they can take on anything. They help eliminate the groggy and temperamental moodiness.
- Gives an energy boost – The two main ingredients of sports drinks are sugar and caffeine. The combination of these supplements is what charges the body and the mind to be energized, to effectively complete a task.
- Boost workout performances – They contain a high level of vitamin B, which is an energy source. Drinking them during a workout can help with performance and endurance.
- Convenient – They are easy to access and are available at almost every retail store. They are also very affordable, depending on the brand.
Some of the cons are:
- High on sugar – One serving of the sports drink may contain about 25g – 39g of sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can cause jitters, sleep disorders, dental issues, obesity, and diabetes.
- Weight gain – While the drinks can be useful for the gym due to their high levels of vitamin B, they can also have the opposite effect if they are not used properly. The high amounts of sugar and calories can build up and cause unwanted weight gain.
- Addictive – These drinks can become very addictive, especially for children. Due to their high level of sugar intake, teens are also more prone to be affected by an addictive trait which could also be a gateway for other substance abuse.
- Cardiovascular issues – This is an important factor that should be kept in mind when consuming energy drinks. If an individual is not careful, excessive gulping of these sports drinks could lead to serious cardiovascular consequences which could lead to an emergency room visit or even death.
Taking sports drinks has both positive and negative consequences. However, the majority of these will only come into play on how the drinks are chosen to be consumed. Casual consumption of these drinks does not cause much of an issue, however, excessive and abusive consumption could spell danger.
Ultimately, in discussing Fresh orange juice OJ vs. Sports Drinks, the Winner for an Active and all-around better Lifestyle is fresh orange juice as provided by Jusfres.
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