The flavonoid, called hesperidin, is found in citrus foods like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Flavonoids are plant chemicals that act as antioxidants in the body, protecting against the damaging effects offree radicals.
Hesperidin, in particular, may help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, or high blood pressure.
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Orange juice naturally contains 690 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of hesperidin.
Their results were published in theEuropean Journal of Nutritionon July 13, 2020.
What Is Systolic Blood Pressure?
When the heart contracts (an event called a systole), it pushes blood out into the arteries.
This causes pressure within the arteries to rise.
The peak blood pressure reached during active cardiac contraction is called thesystolic blood pressure.
A normal systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg or less.
Does Sugar Content Outweigh the Blood Pressure Benefits?
Some clinicians have concerns about recommending 100% orange, which contains about 21 grams of natural sugar.
Still, Rampersaud says orange juice is just one part of a heart-healthy diet.
“No food or beverage provides all nutrients,” she says.
What This Means For You
Hypertension affects 1 out of every 2 adults in the United States.
Rampersaud says that people who drink orange juice may be inclined to make healthier dietary choices in general.
“This further demonstrates the positive role that 100% orange juice can play in a healthy diet.
2020 Jul 13. doi:10.1007/s00394-020-02279-0
Florida Citrus.FAQs: 100% OJ and sugar.
2014 Apr 17;9(4):e95323.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0095323
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about hypertension.
