This Daily Drink Changes Your Heart and Gut, Scientists Say

Orange Juice: An Unexpected Scientific Turn

For years, orange juice held the reputation of a “sugary drink” that did more harm than good. Nevertheless, researchers from the University of São Paulo and North Carolina State University decided to test its impact on adult subjects.

Study participants drank approximately half a liter of pure orange juice daily for 60 days. Scientists analyzed not only blood results but also gene reactions, gut health, and cardiovascular parameters. What they discovered changes the current perspective on this beverage. But first, let’s look at the details.

One Glass, A Real Impact on Heart Health

Regularly drinking orange juice demonstrably:

• improved blood circulation
• lowered blood pressure
• decreased markers of inflammation

Furthermore, the results published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research show that orange juice can support the cardiovascular system, especially for people with an elevated risk of heart disease.

The Key Component Nobody Talks About

Sugar is not responsible for this effect; instead, it is hesperidin—a natural compound present in oranges. Hesperidin:

• influences sugar metabolism
• regulates blood pressure
• supports cholesterol management

Interestingly, hesperidin works like a smart system, acting based on what the person needs most. What does this mean?

Individuals with excess body weight can count on support in the form of increased fat metabolism. People maintaining a healthy weight, on the other hand, may see reduced inflammation.

The Orange Juice Health Benefits You Reap for Years

This drink has been the subject of scientific studies for years. Other experts’ work has proven that overweight individuals can anticipate not only faster fat metabolism but also an increase in good cholesterol and a drop in systolic blood pressure. Crucially, this beneficial effect can persist for many years.

Consequently, the myth that people carrying extra weight should not drink orange juice due to its calorie content has been disproven.

The Gut – The Second Brain Benefits Too

One of the great orange juice health benefits is its favorable effect on the gut microbiome. And this microbiome, as commonly known, is called the second brain.

One study found that drinking red orange juice for a month increased the number of bacteria in the gut that produce short-chain fatty acids. These acids also favorably influence proper blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and improve blood sugar control.

Why Did Experts Previously Say Juice Was Harmful?

The main argument was sugar. And indeed, juice will never fully replace the whole fruit. However, research clearly shows that in moderate amounts, pure orange juice acts differently than sugary sodas. It does not cause sudden glucose spikes, and its bioactive compounds actively influence the genes responsible for inflammation and metabolism.

Read this article in Polish: Pijesz sok pomarańczowy? To ma wpływ na serce i jelita