Orange Juice when consumed in its purest form improves the overall diet quality and health, according to a study conducted by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSUAC).

Under the study, organized by The Florida Department of Citrus, researchers at LSUAC analyzed data from the 2003-06 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Researchers observed that compared to non-consumers, adults who consumed 100% orange juice tend to have better body mass index (BMI) scores, higher intake of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamin A and have low chances of being obese.

LSUAC School of Human Ecology study co-author Carol O’Neil said their research demonstrates that consuming 100% orange juice leads to intake of four key nutrients, which majority of the US population does not have in their diets.

Males who drank pure form of orange juice reported 36% reduction in the risk of metabolic syndrome that causes heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

University of Florida Nutrition Research and Education associate Gail Rampersaud said 100% orange juice has essential nutrients that are listed in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

"In addition to helping individuals meet fruit intake recommendations, one serving of 100 percent orange juice is more nutrient dense than many commonly-consumed 100 percent fruit juices, and it’s a good source of potassium and folate, as well as an excellent source of vitamin C, three nutrients that are underconsumed in the United States," he added.