Decrease of Blood Pressure with Regular Consumption of Orange Juice

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the effect of orange juice and its major flavonoid, hesperidin, on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk biomarkers. The study included 24 healthy, moderately overweight men who were randomized to consume either 500 mL orange juice, or 500 mL hesperidin or 500 mL placebo drink for four weeks.

The results revealed that diastolic blood pressure was significantly lowered after four weeks consumption of orange juice or a hesperidin drink when compared to the placebo drink. It was also determined that orange juice and hesperidin significantly improved post-meal blood vessel reactivity compared with placebo. These results appear to suggest hesperidin may contribute to the beneficial effects of orange juice, which may reduce diastolic blood pressure and increase post-meal blood vessel reactivity.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition