How orange juice could help support heart health

• Orange juice has multiple benefits for heart health, according to a new study that investigated its effects on gene expression.
• This study found that orange juice lowers blood pressure and systemic inflammation, and promotes fat metabolism.
• This unique study on the physiological effects of orange juice provides a new perspective on its potential value for heart health.

A new look at the popular beverage from a molecular perspective: Orange juice is loaded with heart-healthy goodness.

Recent research published in Molecular nutrition and food researchtrusted sources We found that orange juice has a wide range of effects on genes involved in physiological activities related to heart health, inhibiting undesirable processes and promoting beneficial ones.

Moisten – or downregulate – orange juice high blood pressure (hypertension) gene. High blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack,heart failure.

The same was true for inflammatory genes. Inflammation can cause cardiac events by constricting and damaging blood vessels as well as promoting the buildup of dangerous plaque.

At the same time, orange juice upregulated, or promoted, the activity of genes responsible for fat metabolism, helping the body process and store fat more efficiently.

The study also found two effects that depended on body type. Fat metabolism in overweight people was especially optimized by orange juice. In people of normal weight, a significant reduction in systemic inflammation was seen.

The lead author of this study is Rayanne Nascimento Fragafrom the Center for Food Research and Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, explained a new perspective on research on orange juice: Today’s medical news.

“What is unique about our study is that we were able to use a transcriptomic approach to assess the effects of orange juice on the entire metabolic system and see how multiple pathways are regulated simultaneously,” said Nascimento Fraga.

“We found that orange juice improved key cardiometabolic markers, including inflammation, oxidative stress, blood pressure, and lipid metabolism. This indicates that several mechanisms work together to produce the health benefits of orange juice.”

After accounting for overlap, the researchers found 1,705 differentially expressed genes affected by orange juice in the study, 98% of which were downregulated, Fraga said.

Michelle Ruthenstein“We’re excited to announce that the 2020 study will be the first to show that patients with 100,000 yen and 100,000 yen are the only ones who can benefit from this,” said MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished, who was not involved in the study. MNT Prior to this study, “Other clinical trial Meta-analysis showed a slight reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressureThis is especially true in adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. ”

“This is because orange juice, especially after meals, increases plasma hesperetin, a flavonoid that may improve endothelial function and microvascular reactivity,” Rosenstein explained.

jayne morganOther foods may show promise for cardiovascular health as well, said Dr. M.D., a cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart, who was also not involved in the study.

Morgan advised that “anti-inflammatory spices and herbs such as turmeric, garlic, chia, hemp seeds, beets, and beet juice” could also benefit from similar molecular research.

and Chen Han ChenM.D., an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the structural heart program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, Calif., who was not involved in the study, also commented on the study’s research approach.

“That’s interesting, but I’m more interested in how this translates into results,” Chen said.

He expressed some doubt about the implications of orange juice’s heart health benefits from a molecular perspective, since “from a clinician’s perspective, it’s easy enough to measure blood pressure.”

In clinical trials, “lipids can also be measured easily enough,” he said.

Morgan advised people who may be tempted to increase their orange juice intake: “Everything in moderation, including orange juice.”

“Orange juice probably follows a U-shaped curve, and small to moderate consumption may help improve endothelial function, reduce arterial stiffness, and have mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects from the flavonoids in citrus fruits. It also helps with blood pressure health from potassium. Most Americans are actually potassium deficient, so orange juice can help.”

– Dr. Jane Morgan

However, Morgan warned: [of vitamin C] Particularly in perimenopausal and menopausal women, the increased sugar load poses all the risks of insulin spikes, weight gain, and visceral fat. ”

“I always encourage my patients to eat a lot of fruit. orangeI’m not saying you should drink that much juice. When the juice is extracted, fibers and other substances remain. “Fiber helps smooth out the sudden sugar release from the juice,” Chen advised.

“I’ve never specifically recommended orange juice,” he added.

Rothenstein suggested “further study of the whole fruit, which contains the fiber-rich membrane and white, spongy albedo, which is rich in dietary fiber.” flavonoidsIt may be possible to determine how fruit matrices affect bioavailability and genetic responses compared to fruit juice alone. ”

Morgan also noted a study showing that “body weight likely influences the extent to which the positive nutritional genomic benefits of orange juice consumption are realized.”

“Changes in responses depending on body size suggest that individual metabolic characteristics, including gut microbiota and genetic background, may modulate the absorption, distribution, and biological activity of orange juice bioactive compounds. Further investigation is needed to determine how these physiological differences influence the observed results.”

“Many whole foods provide similar multipurpose cardiovascular support because they provide synergistic combinations of nutrients and bioactive compounds,” Rosenstein said.

“This includes chocolate“Because milk chocolate is actually processed chocolate,” Morgan said. dark chocolate”

“leafy vegetables It provides nitrates, magnesium, and carotenoids that improve endothelial function and support healthy blood pressure,” Rosenstein added.legumes Provides viscous fiber, vegetable protein, potassium, and polyphenols, LDL cholesterolstabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation. ”

foods that contain a lot potassium“Oranges, bananas, spinach, beans, and potatoes can all help keep your blood vessels and blood pressure healthy,” says Morgan.

According to Rosenstein, “Berries provide anthocyanins that strengthen endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress, and nuts combine unsaturated fats, arginine, and polyphenols to improve lipid profiles and vascular tone.”

“Make plants a big part of your taste buds and use extra virgin olive oil and foods rich in plants.” omega 3” Morgan said.

She also specifically recommended lean protein. perimenopause and menopauseLimit both salt and alcohol, and avoid canned soups, sauces, and deli meats whenever possible. ”