A significant number of these genes are involved in mechanisms that regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation and control sugar metabolism. These are critical processes for long-term cardiovascular health.
While orange juice is just part of the daily breakfast routine for most of us, scientists say that the simple drink has much more of an impact on the body than we perhaps realised.
A recent study found that regular consumption of orange juice changes the way thousands of genes in our immune cells work.
A significant number of these genes are involved in mechanisms that regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation and control sugar metabolism. These are critical processes for long-term cardiovascular health.
David C. Gaze, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology at the University of Westminster, writing in The Conversation, explained the changes that orange juice consumption causes in the human body with examples from research.
Decline in genes associated with inflammation and blood pressure
In recent research, adults drank 500 ml of pure pasteurised orange juice every day for two months.
At the end of 60 days, inflammation-related genes such as NAMPT, IL6, IL1B and NLRP3, which are activated during stress, were found to be less active. The SGK1 gene, which affects the kidneys' capacity to retain sodium, also showed lower activity. These changes are in line with previous findings showing that regular consumption of orange juice lowers blood pressure in young adults.
According to the researchers, these results suggest that orange juice induces small but significant changes in the body's regulatory systems, leading to relaxation of blood vessels, reduced inflammation and protection of heart health.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the flavonoid hesperidin in oranges have long been recognised. The new study also shows that processes such as high blood pressure, cholesterol balance and sugar metabolism are influenced by this natural component.
Body type also modifies the response. Genes related to fat metabolism were more affected in overweight individuals, while inflammation-related genes showed more pronounced changes in leaner participants.
May reduce insulin resistance and cholesterol
According to an analysis of 15 controlled studies involving 639 people, regular consumption of orange juice can reduce insulin resistance and LDL cholesterol. Insulin resistance is a key indicator of pre-diabetes, while high cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease.
In another study involving overweight participants, several weeks of daily orange juice consumption slightly lowered systolic blood pressure and increased levels of HDL, known as good cholesterol.
Although these changes may seem small, they can have a significant impact on heart health over the years.
In metabolite studies, orange juice was found to influence energy utilisation, intercellular communication and inflammatory pathways. After one month, volunteers who drank blood orange juice showed an increase in intestinal bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. These substances are associated with healthy blood pressure and low levels of inflammation.
In a study of people with metabolic syndrome, orange juice improved endothelial function, which refers to the capacity of vessels to relax and expand. Better endothelial function is associated with a reduced risk of heart attack.
Although some studies have not found large changes in HDL and triglycerides, the general trend is that orange juice reduces inflammation, promotes blood flow and improves heart disease risk markers.
A study at an orange juice factory in Brazil found that workers had lower levels of apo-B, a marker that reflects cholesterol-carrying particles that increase the risk of heart attack.
