Blood Oranges May Support Blood Circulation
A clinical trial on subjects with poor heart health has found that consuming the juice of blood oranges may improve blood circulation and reduce the body’s inflammation.
A clinical trial on subjects with poor heart health has found that consuming the juice of blood oranges may improve blood circulation and reduce the body’s inflammation.
Researchers from the University of Palermo in Italy assigned 31 subjects-12 who were healthy and 19 with cardiovascular risk-to one week of blood orange juice (500 ml daily) or placebo in cross-over style. Subjects were assessed for changes in endothelial function (the ability of blood vessels to relax and constrict) and markers of oxidation and inflammation.
After one week of drinking blood orange juice, endothelial function improved and was normalized compared to placebo. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation-C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-decreased compared to placebo.
More research is needed on blood oranges for heart health and inflammation. The results of this study are now available at the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
