Multiple studies and new research have linked it to a reduction in the risk of heart disease
11:53, 28 Nov 2025
The juice alters the way certain genes work
A daily glass of orange juice could ‘reprogram’ your genes – cutting inflammation, lowering blood pressure and cutting the risk of heart disease, according to a recent study. The study followed adults who drank 500ml of pure pasteurised orange juice every day for two months, and after 60 days, many genes associated with inflammation and higher blood pressure had become less active.
David C. Gaze, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology at the University of Westminster, said: “This is noteworthy because it offers a possible explanation for why orange juice has been linked to better heart health in several trials. The new work shows that the drink does not simply raise blood sugar. Instead, it appears to trigger small shifts in the body’s regulatory systems that reduce inflammation and help blood vessels relax.
“Natural compounds in oranges, particularly hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, seem to influence processes related to high blood pressure, cholesterol balance and the way the body handles sugar.”
A review of trials from 15 studies found that regular orange juice consumption lowered insulin resistance and blood cholesterol levels. Insulin resistance is a key feature of pre-diabetes, and high cholesterol is an established risk factor for heart disease.
David said: “Another analysis focusing on overweight and obese adults found small reductions in systolic blood pressure and increases in high density lipoprotein (HDL), often called the good cholesterol, after several weeks of daily orange juice consumption. Although these changes are modest, even slight improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol can make a meaningful difference when maintained over many years.”
One study showed that drinking blood orange juice for a month increased the number of gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce inflammation. In one study, daily orange juice consumption improved the function of the lining of blood vessels, known as endothelial function, which is associated with a lower risk of heart attacks.
David told The Conversation: “Altogether, the evidence challenges the idea that drinking citrus fruit juice is simply consuming sugar in a glass. Whole fruit remains the better choice because of its fibre, but a modest daily glass of pure orange juice appears to have effects that build up over time.
“These include easing inflammation, supporting healthier blood flow and improving several blood markers linked to long-term heart health. It is a reminder that everyday foods can have more influence on the body than we might expect.”
