New research suggests that drinking orange juice every day might do more than boost vitamin C. It may actually change how certain genes work in the body, especially genes linked to heart health.
In a small study, twenty healthy adults drank about two cups of pure orange juice every day for two months. Scientists from universities in Brazil and the United States tracked more than seventeen hundred genes in the participants’ immune cells. They found major shifts in gene activity related to blood pressure, fat use and inflammation. These three factors play a big role in heart health.
The researchers said these changes seem to come from citrus flavonoids. These are natural plant compounds that act like antioxidants and help reduce inflammation. They are found in oranges, berries, tea and even cocoa. The study was published in October in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.
Most of the genetic changes pointed to less inflammation and healthier blood vessels. But the effects were different depending on body weight. People with normal weight had more changes linked to inflammation. People who were overweight showed changes connected to how the body handles fat and energy.
The researchers said the study gives new clues about why orange juice may help the heart. They also said body weight might affect how someone responds to the healthy compounds in orange juice. This could help guide more personalized nutrition advice in the future.
However the scientists also warned that the study was small. There was no comparison drink, so it only shows a link, not absolute proof. They said more research is needed to know whether these gene changes actually lead to long term health benefits.
A New York dietitian, Nicolette Pace, said the results support the idea that plant compounds can help people live longer and avoid disease. She said that changes in gene activity are connected to health, but they are not the same thing. She also said a normal amount of orange juice each day is fine because the natural sugar does not cancel the benefits.
The study was funded by research groups in Brazil and the United States. Earlier research has also shown that drinking pure orange juice before a meal can help people feel more full and stabilize blood sugar better than sugary orange flavored drinks.
The new study offers an early look at how a simple daily drink may influence the body on a deeper level than most people realize.
