Could a simple glass of juice before breakfast work as a medicine at the DNA level? It seems so. A new study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research shows that orange juice is not just vitamin C, but a powerful tool capable of changing our body's settings.
What did scientists find out?
A group of researchers from the US and Brazil conducted an experiment: 20 volunteers drank about 500 ml (two glasses) of 100 percent orange juice every day for two months. The results were surprising: over 1,700 genes changed their activity during this time.
How does it work?
Imagine that your cells have “volume knobs.” Research has shown that components of the juice (mainly flavonoid antioxidants) act as remote operators:
1. Calms inflammation: Almost 98% of the altered genes had their activity reduced. That is, the juice actually “silenced” the genes responsible for inflammatory processes and vascular stress.
2. Individual approach: The body reacts differently. In people with normal weight, the juice was more active in reducing inflammation, and in overweight participants, it affected genes responsible for processing fats and energy.
Should I run to the store?
The results are impressive, but there are important “buts” that you should be aware of so as not to harm yourself:
This is just the beginning: The study was small and did not include a “control group” (people who did not drink the juice for comparison), so the scientists are talking about a link, not a 100% guarantee of an effect.
Be careful with sugar: 500 ml of juice is a large dose of natural sugar. While it is good for your genes, it can be a strain on your pancreas.
Conclusion
Orange juice has the potential to protect blood vessels at a deep genetic level, but as with any “medicine,” moderation is key.
