High blood pressure and cholesterol are two very common health concerns in the UK, but a new study has found that drinking a popular breakfast drink could help keep them at bay.This article contains affiliate links, which means we will receive commission on any sale of products or services we write. Learn more
Some research suggests that a fruit juice could help lower cholesterol and blood pressure(Image: Getty)
A popular breakfast beverage, which could cost as little as 10p per serving, might be the key to help tackle two major health concerns, studies suggest. It’s estimated that around half of the UK population suffers from high cholesterol, while a third grapple with high blood pressure.
Both conditions are significant risk factors for life-threatening events such as strokes and heart attacks. One approach to managing cholesterol and blood pressure is through dietary adjustments.
Reducing saturated fats can help lower cholesterol, whereas cutting down on salt can benefit blood pressure levels. Scientific studies have indicated that orange juice could play a role in decreasing both cholesterol and blood pressure.
Cholesterol
In research published in edition of Lipids in Health and Disease journal in 2023, it was discovered that consuming two glasses of orange juice daily could lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels. The study involved 129 individuals aged between 18 and 66.
Out of these participants, 41 per cent consumed two cups of orange juice, approximately 480ml, every day for a minimum of one year. At the conclusion of the trial, findings revealed that those who regularly drank the juice had “significantly lower” total cholesterol levels.
This outcome was observed among subjects with both normal and elevated cholesterol levels. However, participants who did not maintain a daily orange juice regimen did not experience similar benefits.
Another meta-analysis showed that regular consumption of orange juice may help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
The analysis, which took into account nine separate studies, however, found no noteworthy impact on the serum levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol.
Blood pressure
Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2021 indicated that orange juice could contribute to a decrease in blood pressure for participants over a 12-week period. The study’s authors noted: “Hesperidin in orange juice reduces systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure after sustained consumption, and after a single dose, the chronic consumption of hesperidin-enriched orange juice enhances its postprandial effect.”
They further suggested: “Hesperidin-enriched orange juice could be a useful co-adjuvant tool for blood pressure and pulse pressure management in pre- and stage-1 hypertensive individuals.” Another piece of research featured in Arya Atherosclerosis journal in 2013 also investigated the effects of orange juice on blood pressure.
This study observed that individuals who drank orange juice for 60 days experienced a “significant” drop in blood pressure levels compared to those who did not partake. The researchers concluded: “Commercial citrus sinensis juice significantly decreased blood pressure. Higher flavonoid, pectin, and essential oils content of concentrated products compared to natural juice might have been responsible for this finding.”
Currently, you can purchase a litre of smooth orange juice from Tesco for £1.05, which equates to 10p per 100ml serving. However, it’s crucial to remember that orange juice contains approximately 24 grams of sugar per serving, a factor to bear in mind if you’re diabetic or on a weight loss journey.
If you have concerns about your cholesterol or blood pressure levels, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor.