New research published in the European Journal of Nutrition finds that 100% orange juice reduces systolic blood pressure in adults with pre- or stage-1 hypertension
More than 1.3 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, a leading factor in heart disease and mortality. A growing body of scientific research shows that 100% orange juice, and its vitamins and minerals, may play a beneficial role in helping to lower blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.
Recently, a new randomized control study, performed by researchers at Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, in Reus, Spain, funded by the Florida Department of Citrus and published in the European Journal of Nutrition concluded that 100% orange juice and 100% orange juice fortified with hesperidin (a flavonoid found almost exclusively in citrus), significantly reduced blood pressure in adults diagnosed with pre- or stage-1 hypertension.
In addition to the potential heart health benefits, an 8-ounce serving of orange juice offers other nutritional benefits as it is an excellent source of vitamin C, a good source of potassium, folate, and thiamin, and can help contribute to total fruit intake.