Khaberni - A recent study showed that consuming two glasses of 100% natural orange juice daily may alter the activity of genes associated with heart health, beyond its traditional role in providing the body with vitamin C.
Twenty healthy adults participated in a joint study between the University of São Paulo in Brazil, North Carolina State University, and the University of California, Davis.
The researchers tracked changes in more than 1700 genes in the immune cells of the participants, discovering shifts in genes related to blood pressure, fat metabolism, inflammation, which are key factors for heart health, according to "Fox News".
Flavonoids: The plant compounds behind the benefits
The study attributed the health benefits of orange juice to the citric flavonoids, plant compounds found in oranges, berries, tea, cocoa, and which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. The results indicated that most genetic changes suggest a decrease in inflammation and improved vascular function, with responses varying according to weight:
Participants with normal weight: Changes in genes related to inflammation.
Participants with overweight: Changes in genes related to fat metabolism and energy use.
The researchers emphasized that the results provide "unprecedented insights into the molecular mechanisms of the health benefits of orange juice," noting that weight may affect the molecular response to bioactive compounds, opening up possibilities for personalized dietary recommendations.
However, the researchers emphasized that the study was small in scale and did not include a comparison drink, meaning the results show associations and are not proof of causality, underlining the need for further research to determine if these molecular changes are reflected in clinical health.
Expert opinions
Nutritionist Nicolette Bays said, "Orange juice is not a magic elixir, but it is a well-studied example," pointing out that the study "opens the door to enormous possibilities for applying personalized nutrition." Bays recommended consuming orange juice in moderate to low amounts daily, confirming that the natural sugar content does not negate the health benefits.
Previous research has shown that drinking orange juice before meals reduces the calorie intake consumed and lowers blood sugar levels compared to sweetened beverages, due to the natural flavonoids that slow the absorption of sugar.
