A daily glass of this tipple has also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.
10:04, 03 Dec 2025
Beautiful young woman drinking fresh orange juice in kitchen. Healthy diet. Happy young woman with glass of juice and orange at table in kitchen.(Image: Getty Images)
For those worried about their health as they age, research has found that having one glass of a certain drink daily can help lower your risk of multiple health concerns. According to a recent study, a glass of orange juice each day could ‘reprogram’ your genes.
A simple glass of this tangy drink every day could lower your risk of heart disease, cut down any inflammation, and lower your blood pressure. For those who don’t regularly drink the tasty beverage, Brits can make it a daily habit by incorporating it into their breakfasts.
The recent study followed adults who drank 500ml of pure pasteurised orange juice every day for two months. The research found that after 60 days, many of the participants’ genes associated with high blood pressure and inflammation had become less active, reports Wales Online.
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.”
He added: “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.”
Breakfast including coffee, fried egg ,bacon, beans, croissant, orange juice with nuts, fruits and berries with fork. close up(Image: Getty Images)
A review of trials from 15 studies found that regularly drinking orange juice lowered blood cholesterol levels, which in turn lowered the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, orange juice was able to lower insulin resistance, which is a key feature of pre-diabetes. The NHS also advises those wanting to lower their insulin resistance to regularly exercise and focus on upholding a balanced diet.
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.”
Additionally, one study found that drinking blood orange juice for a month increased the amount of gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. This can help us reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Another study also found that daily consumption of orange juice also 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.”
For those wanting to better their health, next time you head to the supermarket make sure to add some orange juice to your shopping trolley.
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