NEW YORK, Nov 23: Drinking just two cups of 100 percent orange juice daily could have measurable benefits for heart health, according to a new study published in the Molecular Nutrition & Food Research journal.

The research analyzed 20 healthy adults, aged 21 to 46, who consumed two cups of orange juice every day for 60 days. Participants were asked to avoid other citrus fruits, strawberries, passion fruit, coffee, chocolate, and teas three days before starting the juice regimen.

Researchers tracked changes in 1,705 genes in participants’ immune cells, discovering alterations in gene expression linked to blood pressure, inflammation, and metabolism — all factors that contribute to heart disease. The study concluded that orange juice has a “therapeutic potential” for supporting cardiovascular health.

“It suggests that it may improve blood pressure regulation, lipid metabolism, and inflammation, among other processes, by modulating gene expression, thereby contributing to cardiovascular health benefits,” the study noted. Results indicated that regular orange juice consumption primarily helped regulate blood pressure levels and reduce inflammation among healthy individuals.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. In 2023 alone, 919,032 deaths were attributed to the condition.

The study builds on growing evidence that small dietary and lifestyle changes can improve heart health. Research published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined more than 4,000 young adults aged 18 to 30, analyzing eight heart health risk factors identified by the American Heart Association. Participants received scores based on habits such as diet, sleep, physical activity, and avoidance of nicotine.

Results showed that those who maintained high scores over 20 years had a very low risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Individuals with moderate scores were twice as likely to experience heart issues, while those whose scores declined from moderate to low were 10 times more at risk of heart attack or stroke.

“We hope that young adults will focus on their heart health as soon as possible, to gain the biggest dividends in longer, healthier lives,” said Professor Donald Lloyd-Jones, co-author of the study. “Our current observation indicates that change matters; improvements in heart health can decrease future risk, and the earlier it is attained and maintained, the better.”