Orange juice may affect thousands of genes in immune cells, study finds
A recent study shows that drinking orange juice can change how thousands of genes in our immune cells work. Many of these genes help control blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and manage sugar in the body—important for keeping the heart healthy.
Although orange juice is often just part of breakfast, scientists say it can have a bigger impact on the body than we might think.
Genes linked to inflammation and blood pressure decrease
In the study, adults drank 500 ml of pure orange juice every day for two months. After 60 days, genes that cause inflammation, like NAMPT, IL6, IL1B, and NLRP3, were less active. Another gene, SGK1, which helps the kidneys retain sodium, also showed reduced activity. These changes match earlier findings that regular orange juice intake can lower blood pressure in young adults.
Researchers say these results suggest that orange juice makes small but important changes in the body, helping blood vessels relax, reducing inflammation, and protecting heart health.
The flavonoid hesperidin, found in oranges, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The study also showed that orange juice can influence blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar metabolism.
Effects may vary by body type
Body type can change how genes respond. In overweight people, genes related to fat metabolism were more affected, while in leaner people, inflammation-related genes changed more.
May help reduce insulin resistance and cholesterol
An analysis of 15 studies with 639 people found that drinking orange juice regularly can reduce insulin resistance (a sign of pre-diabetes) and lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol).
In another study with overweight participants, daily orange juice slightly lowered systolic blood pressure and raised HDL (“good” cholesterol).
Even though these changes seem small, they can have a big effect on heart health over time.
Studies on orange juice show it can affect how the body uses energy, how cells communicate, and inflammation. After one month, people who drank blood orange juice had more gut bacteria that make short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help maintain healthy blood pressure and lower inflammation.
In people with metabolic syndrome, drinking orange juice improved the function of blood vessels, helping them relax and expand. This is linked to a lower risk of heart attacks.
While some studies show only small changes in “good” cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides, overall orange juice seems to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and support heart health.
A study at a Brazilian orange juice factory found that workers had lower levels of apo-B, a marker linked to cholesterol particles that raise heart attack risk.
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