Orange juice helps fight inflammation, oxidative stress: Study

Drinking 100 percent orange juice significantly reduces interleukin 6, a well-established marker of inflammation, in both healthy and high-risk adults.

Washington: A new study has suggested 100 percent orange juice has the potential to help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in adults. The findings of the study were published in the journal 'Advances in Nutrition’. Though limited in scope, the study indicates drinking 100 percent orange juice significantly reduces interleukin 6, a well-established marker of inflammation, in both healthy and high-risk adults.

Two additional inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were also reduced; however, the results did not quite reach statistical significance. The findings of this study, which was funded through an unrestricted grant by the Florida Department of Citrus, harmonise with a previously published FDOC-funded review that reported beneficial effects of hesperidin, the primary bioactive compound found in oranges and 100 percent orange juice, on reducing some markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Chronic inflammation may play a key role in causing or advancing some chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. "We know that 100 percent orange juice contains a number of nutrients, like vitamin C, as well as beneficial bioactive compounds that have the potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress," said Gail Rampersaud, Florida Department of Citrus registered dietitian.