Two recent studies suggest that consuming orange juice with a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal may block some of the negative effects normally associated with them. Both studies examined the effect that orange juice had on specific markers for inflammation and oxidative stress versus other beverages.

In one study, healthy subjects were divided into three groups who each consumed a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal along with either: water, orange juice (300 calories); or glucose (300 calories). Blood samples were taken 1, 3, and 5 hours after the meal. Those in the glucose and water groups experienced significant increases in inflammatory markers after the meal.  However, those in the orange juice group did not. Signs of oxidative stress were also considerably lower in the orange juice group.

Another study compared the inflammatory effects of orange juice, cream, water, and glucose. Study participants drank water or a 300-calorie drink of orange juice, cream, or glucose. Those who drank cream showed increases in plasma endotoxins and inflammatory cytokines. Study subjects drinking glucose experienced an increase in just inflammatory cytokines, while neither orange juice nor water resulted in any inflammatory activity.

So, the next time you have a craving for a gooey slice of deep dish pizza with extra pepperoni that you just can’t resist, consider washing it down with a glass of OJ.

Sources:

American Diabetes Association

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition