Researchers found that drinking orange juice daily changes how thousands of immune-cell genes function.
Many affected genes regulate blood pressure, limit inflammation, and control sugar metabolism, supporting long-term heart health.
David C. Gaze of the University of Westminster explains that these genetic shifts improve cardiovascular regulation.
Reducing Inflammation and Supporting Vessels
Adults drank 500 ml of pasteurised orange juice daily for two months in recent studies.
After 60 days, inflammation-related genes such as NAMPT, IL6, IL1B, and NLRP3 showed lower activity.
The SGK1 gene, which controls kidney sodium retention, also decreased its activity, easing blood pressure.
Researchers suggest orange juice relaxes blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and protects heart function.
Hesperidin, the flavonoid in oranges, also influences blood pressure, cholesterol balance, and sugar metabolism.
Body type affects the response: overweight individuals show larger changes in fat-metabolism genes, lean participants in inflammation-related genes.
Heart and Metabolic Benefits
Analyses of 15 studies with 639 participants found that orange juice reduces insulin resistance and LDL cholesterol.
In overweight adults, daily consumption slightly lowered systolic blood pressure and increased HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
Orange juice also influences energy use, cell communication, and inflammatory pathways.
Blood orange juice increased gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, promoting healthy blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
In metabolic-syndrome patients, orange juice improved endothelial function, helping vessels relax and lowering heart-attack risk.
Studies at a Brazilian orange juice factory found workers had lower apo-B, a marker linked to cholesterol-carrying particles that raise heart-attack risk.
Overall, evidence shows orange juice reduces inflammation, supports blood flow, and improves cardiovascular and metabolic health.
