Oranges are the most important citrus crop in the world. They are greatly valued for their high nutritional value, especially for their vitamin C. Because oranges are so abundant around the world, they are taken for granted. There are many things that can happen that might harm its vitamin C levels. Temperature, light, and brands will be the variables tested. But which factors affect vitamin C in orange juice the most?
Humans obviously need vitamin C to function properly. One of vitamin C's most important functions is to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage when it acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin C also helps prevent heart disease by loosening stiff arteries and lowering the tendency of platelets to stick together. The antioxidant properties it has are thought to protect smokers and people exposed to secondhand smoke from free radicals. Vitamin C is also needed to make the “glue,” collagen, which strengthens many parts of the body such as blood vessels and muscles. It also plays important roles in healing wounds and as a natural antihistamine. Vitamin C also helps form liver bile, fight viruses and detoxify alcohol and other substances. Researchers have recently found that vitamin C improves nitric oxide activity. Nitric oxide is needed to dilate blood vessels which are important in lowering blood pressure and protecting from arteries in the heart to spasm that could lead to heart attacks. Evidence shows that vitamin C can prevent cataracts in eyes. It is also known to reduce activity of aldose reductase, an enzyme that is responsible for buildup of sorbitol in eyes, nerves and kidneys of people with diabetes which causes deterioration of these body parts. Vitamin C may also protect the body from the retention of the toxic mineral, lead. Vitamin C supplementation cures furunculosis, a defect in white blood cells. A study found that 500mg of vitamin C per day for a year lowered the risk of developing reflex sympathetic dystrophy after a wrist fracture....