A small new study suggests that drinking orange juice every day may change the way your genes behave—especially those linked to heart health and metabolism.
The research was published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research and involved a team of scientists from Brazil and the United States.
In the study, 20 healthy adults drank about two cups of 100% orange juice each day for two months. The researchers collected immune cell samples from the participants before and after the orange juice c…
They looked at changes in more than 1,700 genes, focusing on those related to inflammation, blood pressure, and how the body processes fat. After two months, they found broad changes in gene activity. Many of the changes suggested that orange juice might reduce inflammation and improve the function of blood vessels.
Interestingly, the changes were not the same for everyone. People with a normal weight mostly showed changes in genes related to inflammation. People who were overweight showed more changes in gene…
The researchers believe these effects may be caused by flavonoids—natural compounds found in orange juice as well as in other foods like berries, tea, and cocoa. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant properties, and some research suggests they may help protect the heart.
The study authors wrote that their research “reinforces the therapeutic potential of orange juice” by offering new insights into how it may affect the body on a molecular level. They also suggested their findings might help create personalized nutrition plans based on how a person’s body responds to flavonoid-rich foods.
However, the researchers cautioned that the study was small and did not include a control group. That means we can’t say for sure that orange juice caused the gene changes. Larger studies are needed to confirm these early results and to find out whether the gene changes lead to real health benefits.
Nicolette Pace, a dietitian based in New York who wasn’t involved in the research, said that while orange juice isn’t a magic drink, it’s a good example of how personalized nutrition could work in the future.
She also mentioned that orange juice can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in small to moderate amounts. According to Pace, “In normal amounts, the sugar content doesn’t cancel out the benefits.”
In summary, while it’s too early to make strong claims, this study opens the door to new possibilities for how simple foods like orange juice may affect our health—right down to our genes.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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