A common item in many refrigerators may offer unexpected benefits for heart health, according to new research examining how it affects the body at a genetic level.
A study published in the journal “Molecular Nutrition & Food Research” found that orange juice influences hundreds of genes tied to cardiovascular function, suppressing harmful activity while enhancing processes linked to healthier metabolism.
The study showed that orange juice reduced the activity of genes associated with high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. It also lowered expression of inflammatory genes, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.
At the same time, the beverage appeared to boost genes involved in fat metabolism, helping the body process and store fats more efficiently. Researchers noted that the combined effects may help explain previously observed links between orange juice consumption and improved cardiometabolic markers.
The study also found that body type played a role in how participants responded. People overweight experienced more pronounced improvements in fat metabolism, while those of normal weight showed greater reductions in systemic inflammation.
Lead author Layanne Nascimento Fraga of the University of São Paulo said the study’s approach was special because it examined how orange juice affects multiple biological pathways at once. Using a transcriptomic analysis, researchers identified more than 1,700 genes influenced by orange juice consumption, the vast majority of which were downregulated, or suppressed.
Cardiologists and dietitians emphasized moderation, noting that while orange juice contains potassium and antioxidants, it is also high in natural sugars and lacks the fiber found in whole fruit. Excessive intake could lead to blood sugar spikes and weight gain, particularly for people already at risk.