I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - oranges are one of the most nutritious fruits we have!

We already know that oranges are successful maintaining healthy-looking skin and helping to protect against illness because of their rich vitamin C content. Results of a recent study now point to the benefits of oranges in maintaining heart health.

An antioxidant in oranges, hesperidin, is said to improve blood vessel function, therefore helping to lower the risk of heart disease.

An article from Web MD about the study explains:

Hesperidin is a plant-based compound called a flavonoid. (Grapes, red wine, green and black teas, and chocolate also contain flavonoids.) A growing body of evidence suggests that flavonoids can improve the health of the delicate cells that line blood vessels. The way these cells work is referred to as “endothelial function.” Problems with these cells can lead to the development of clogged arteries, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Drinking 500 milliliters of orange juice each day for one month was enough to prove lower blood pressure and improve gene expression profiles related to cardiovascular disease.

Filed under: Food & Nutrition