Food cravings are the nemesis of more radical low carbohydrate diets. One of the things humans naturally crave is tartness, which helps assure a normal mineral balance. Oranges are good at satisfying that craving. The glycemic loads of oranges depend on how big they are. Small ones, 2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter, have glycemic loads around 40. Large ones--4 inches or so in diameter--have glycemic loads closer to 120. Although the glycemic loads of larger oranges can push the limits, they're full of vitamins, potassium, antioxidants and soluble fiber, all of which are essential to good health. Most people tend not to overeat oranges. There seems to be a limit to the natural craving for tartness. Orange juice is another matter. A serving of orange juice will raise your blood sugar more than an orange in its natural state, and adds to calories rather than replaces them.