Is orange juice good for you? Why one woman's 'fruitarianism' diet is causing controversy.

Anne Osbourne says she drank nothing but orange juice for 40 days.

The Queensland, Australia, resident has been documenting her experiences with fruitarianism, which is exactly what it sounds like: a diet that consists entirely of fruits.

"It's been a wonderful experience," Osbourne told her social media followers recently. "I've felt emotional benefits, physical benefits and spiritual benefits."

Diet experts wouldn't agree that there are benefits, though. Many have condemned fruitarianism as one that lacks lots of key nutrients and isn't sustainable long-term. And while orange juice offers some health benefits, it's not a complete meal, and doesn't contain nearly enough calories to last through the day, which can present a whole host of serious health dangers.

There's also such thing as consuming too much vitamin C. Osbourne didn't disclose how much orange juice she was consuming daily, but the recommended dietary allowances for adults range from 75 to 90 milligrams, and one cup of orange juice contains about 124 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Database. Medical experts say having 2,000 mg or more in one day could lead to kidney stones, diarrhea and other stomach issues.

But in normal amounts, orange juice does have health benefits to offer. Here's what nutrition experts want you to know.

Is orange juice good for you?

The aforementioned vitamin C content, when taken in appropriate doses, offers a slew of potential benefits including lessening common cold symptoms, promoting heart health and making collagen, an essential protein in making the body's connective tissue, research has shown.

Orange juice is also "a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and some juices are fortified with calcium and vitamin D," registered dietitian Abbey Sharp tells USA TODAY. And it can also help keep you hydrated, thanks to its "high water content, electrolytes and natural sugars," she adds.

Is orange juice high in sugar?

Sharp notes that some orange juice brands found at the grocery store may have a high sugar content due to added sugars to "enhance flavor." They also contain natural sugars from the orange.

The main difference between eating a piece of fruit and drinking fruit juice is that the latter usually removes the fruit's fiber, which is what helps slow down the body's blood sugar response, Sharp notes. That doesn't make one better or worse, but experts note that for those who have been told by a doctor to watch their blood sugar, pairing a non-fibrous fruit juice with a more balanced meal containing fiber, protein and/or fat can help better regulate the blood sugar and deliver a higher quality of nutrition.

"All juices are typically stripped of their beneficial fibers that help slow the absorption of sugars and reduce the glycemic index," Sharp says. "So orange juice, even when not sweetened, can cause blood sugar spikes."

Orange juice is also acidic. Sharp warns that those with acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and tooth sensitivity may experience exacerbated symptoms after drinking orange juice due to the acidity.

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Which juice is the healthiest?

If you're looking to maximize health benefits and minimize downsides, Sharp recommends going for a vegetable-based juice or a juice or smoothie with the fruit's fibers still in tact, such as orange juice with pulp.

But overall, diet experts wants to remind people that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy.

“​​The healthiest food in any category will depend on you, your budget, your culture, your health goals, and so much more,” registered dietitian Miranda Galati previously told USA TODAY. “It’s amazing to make more nutrient-dense choices when possible, but choosing the more processed or convenient option isn’t always a bad thing either. As a registered dietitian who wants you to build a healthy lifestyle that lasts, I’d recommend ditching the idea that there’s a healthiest version of anything.”