Oranges are among the most popular fruits for their delicious flavor and nutritional value. However, if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding foods that are too acidic for your system, then oranges might not be the best option due to their high vitamin C content.
So, are oranges acidic?
Generally, oranges are citrus fruits that are acidic due to their high ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content, an antioxidant that prevents cellular damage. Although they are a nutritional powerhouse and a great source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fiber, they still aren’t the best choice for those dealing with acid reflux or eating an alkaline diet.
Read on till the end to know more!
Table of Content
Why Is Orange and Its Juice Acidic?
Orange juice is considered a refreshing beverage worldwide. But why is orange juice acidic?
However, orange is a citrus fruit with high ascorbic acid content. Besides, its chemical composition shows the presence of several other acids, such as citric, malic, oxalic, pantothenic, folic, and hydro cinnamic acids.
However, due to its chemical composition and greater ascorbic acid content, it is distinctly acidic.
Further, it tastes relatively sour, a distinctive property of acidic substances.
Therefore, since orange is acidic, so its juice as well!
PH of Orange and Orange Juice
Generally, the pH of any substance defines how acidic or basic a substance is. It determines whether a substance will dissociate into hydroxide or hydrogen ions in the water.
However, orange and other citrus fruits have a low pH due to citric acid, a weak acid. It means that it doesn’t wholly dissociate in the water.
Oranges pH:
In general, orange is acidic, with a pH between 3.0-4.0, whereas orange juice has a pH of approximately 3.5.
However, the exact acidity and pH of orange and its juice depend upon its ripeness and variety.
Further, it is also dependent upon its geographical region. For instance, Californian oranges are slightly more acidic than Floridian ones.
Let’s have a look at the pH of other varieties of oranges;
| Sugar Content and pH of Fruits | ||
| Fruits | Sugar % | pH Value |
| Orange | 9 | 3.0-4.0 |
| Mandarin | 11 | 11.50 |
| Tangerine | 11 | 3.90 |
| Grapefruit | 7 | 3.38 |
| Lime | 1.7 | 2.40 |
| Lemon | 2.5 | 2.30 |
| Kumquat | 9 | 3.95 |
| Lime | 1 | 2.8 |
Orange Juice pH:
Although, we know that orange juice has a pH of around 3.5-3.6. Still, there’s a variety in pH of orange juice depending upon its dilution.
| Orange Juice | pH value |
| Undiluted orange juice | 3.9 |
| Orange juice: distilled water diluted (1:4) | 4.0 |
| Orange juice, NaOH neutralized | 7.0 |
Besides, the pH value of different fruits juices with their peel extracts are as follows;
| Sample | pH |
| Orange juice | 3.60 ±1.9 |
| Orange peel extract | 6.62±2.2 |
| Mandarin juice | 3.21±1.4 |
| Mandarin peel extract | 6.58±3.4 |
| Grapefruit juice | 3.00±2.5 |
| Grapefruit peel extract | 6.45±3.2 |
| Lemon juice | 2.34±1.8 |
| Lemon peel extract | 6.23±2.1 |
Are Oranges Bad for Acid Reflux?
Since oranges are acidic, are they bad for gastrointestinal reflux?
Yes! They are due to their high acidic content (ascorbic acid).
However, oranges and orange juice are high in acid, so they’re more likely to trigger reflux. They worsen the GERD symptom and are likely to cause heartburn and flatulence if taken in larger quantities.
Therefore, one should avoid acidic foods like oranges and take other non-acidic fruits like watermelon, papaya, etc., to improve their acid reflux symptoms!
Why Do Oranges and Its Juice Give Me Heartburn?
With the morning sun shining through our window, we all have one thing on our mind: a fresh glass of orange juice to start your day, right? Whether you prefer pulp or no-pulp, low-calorie count with a bit of sugar in them for those who need their weight loss plan or diabetic friendly – there is always an option out there!
However, citrus fruits are designed to increase the pH of your stomach. Thus, due to its high acid content, orange can trigger heartburn. It contains more significant amounts of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Citric acid, which can cause indigestion if consumed in large quantities on an empty stomach.
Therefore, for some people, drinking orange juice isn’t a pleasure at all. Instead, it increases acid reflux in their gut, leading to heartburn!
Are Oranges Acidic in The Stomach?
Orange is considered a classic heartburn fruit, but are oranges acidic in stomach?
Although oranges are acidic in the stomach, still it’s a bit contradictory query.
However, some studies suggest that eating citrus fruits like oranges is fine even while suffering from acidity, as when mixed with saliva, it neutralizes their acidity and causes no harm.
Still, a doctor might somehow advise avoiding acidic fruits like oranges while suffering from acid reflux since there’s a probable chance of worsening the symptoms due to their high acidic content.
Are Mandarin Oranges Acidic?
Are mandarin oranges acidic or alkaline?
Mandarin oranges are the perfect choice for those who love sweet, juicy fruits. These small and loose-skinned varieties have a much lower acidity level than other common oranges.
However, the pH of mandarin oranges is commonly a misconception! They are often mistaken for being highly acidic like those oranges. Although being chemically acidic outside the body, they’re not acidic at all but rather alkaline, once ingested and metabolized by the body.
Are Oranges Acidic When Digested?
Despite having a high ascorbic acid content, researchers suggest that oranges become alkaline after being digested.
It turns out that citrus fruits are a great source of alkaline foods. When they get mixed with saliva and other bodily excretions, they get neutralized. Oranges contain vitamin C, which helps detoxify your body while relieving heartburn or acidity!
However, sometimes the case might turn the opposite, as oranges or other citrus fruits aren’t considered ideal for conditions like GERD and tend to worsen the symptoms!
Are Sweet Oranges Acidic?
Valencias and navels are considered sweet oranges.
However, sweet oranges differ from regular oranges slightly in their scent as sweet oranges possess a sweet-smelling aroma. Further, their sugar content is usually greater than those of regular oranges.
Somehow, sweet oranges are comparatively less acidic than normal ones.
Although slightly acidic, they still become alkaline-generating once absorbed, metabolized, and digested by the body!
Benefits of Eating Oranges at Night:
Orange is a richly nutritious fruit. However, eating oranges at night can serve multiple benefits. They are stated as under;
- Oranges help to boost the immune system.
- Vitamin C in oranges is a powerful antioxidant and protects the cells by neutralizing the harmful free radicals. It acts as a scavenger.
- Further, it also promotes healthy and nourishing skin.
- Vitamin C helps heal wounds, prevent cell damage, and initiate cell repair.
- Oranges are enriched with dietary fibers that promote good heart health. They also contain phytonutrients that provide safety from CVDs.
- Vitamin C and potassium help treat hypertension. Therefore, oranges help in lowering blood pressure.
- Thiamine in oranges prevents cataracts.
- Folate in oranges prevents congenital disabilities. It is essential in fetal development. Therefore, pregnant ladies are advised to eat oranges during pregnancy.
- Oranges also help to improve cholesterol levels.
- Vitamin C content in oranges lowers the risk of several cancers.
- Oranges benefit people with diabetes due to their low sugar content.
Bottom Line
Starting your day with a richly healthy, cold glass of orange juice is what everyone desires.
Oranges are richly nutritious and a tremendous ascorbic acid (vitamin C) source. Moreover, they’re sweet and juicy with just enough tangy flavor, which makes them irresistible!
However, the pH of orange and orange juice has already cleared your query, “are oranges acidic?”
Generally, oranges have a pH between 3.0-4.0 due to high acid content. However, their acidity also varies with different locations geographically.
Somehow, despite being extra nutritional and healthy, it is one of the acidic fruits to avoid while suffering from symptoms like acidity, heartburn, etc.
Moreover, oranges contain multitudes of nutrients that your body needs!
FAQs
Are oranges acid or alkaline?
Generally, oranges are highly acidic fruits due to their high vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content. Their pH ranges between 3.0-4.0.
Besides ascorbic acid, it contains high content of certain other acids like citric acid.
Do oranges Alkalize the body?
Although oranges are highly acidic, it is believed that citrus fruits alkalize the body as soon as they get absorbed and digested. Similar is the case with oranges.
Therefore, oranges alkalize the body. However, in some cases, the results might be the opposite!
Are oranges as acidic as lemons?
The pH of oranges ranges between 3.0-4.0, whereas lemons have a pH of around 2.3 on average, ranging between 2.0—2.6.
Therefore, oranges are comparatively less acidic than lemons!
Can eating oranges at night cause acid reflux?
Although eating oranges at night might cause acid reflux, the consequence will be even worse if taken on an empty stomach.
The citric acid in oranges triggers the stomach to produce more acid. It leads to an increase in acid reflux!
Which acid is present in Orange?
Besides ascorbic and citric acid, which are in high proportions in orange, several other acids are also present. It includes oxalic, malic, pantothenic, folic, and hydrocinnamic acids.
What is the best time to eat oranges?
The best time and season to enjoy citrus fruits like oranges are the winter season, as, during that time, the citrus fruits become much juicier and tastier.
Besides, if talking about a day, it’s better to eat oranges at night after a meal rather than take it on an empty stomach in the morning!
