Whether you typically start your morning by uncapping a carton of OJ or make your own fresh-squeezed version on weekends, orange juice is a tasty part of many people's regular routines. While you may recognize the popular drink as an excellent source of vitamin C —frequently packing more than the RDA of the nutrient in every cup—that's not all you're getting with every sip. Before you pour yourself another glass of this golden elixir, read on to discover the secret side effects of drinking orange juice, according to science. And for some great ways to improve your diet, check out The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now . 1 Orange juice may lower your cholesterol. If you're dealing with high cholesterol , adding some orange juice to your regular routine may help get those numbers into healthier territory. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , individuals who consumed 236 mL of not-from-concentrate orange juice over