Although a new report suggests that orange juice may benefit the health of the heart, what should be made clear is that the juice should come from the orange, not a juice made from concentrate (as most are). The reason is that the "not from concentrate" juices should still have most of the nutrients as if you were to take the orange and squeeze the juice out yourself and drink it.
Having said that, you're still much better off eating the whole food, in its raw form, than you are to get the juice form from a supermarket. Although I recommend Juice Plus+®, that is for the many nutrients that provide overall health support, since most people don't or won't eat enough fruits and vegetables. The actual fruit (and vegetable) is still the superior source of good nutrition, and the best way to a healthy diet, and healthy weight. Here's more on what benefits orange juice may have on the health of the heart--
An antioxidant in orange juice called hesperidin improves blood vessel function and helps lower a person’s risk of heart disease, researchers report. 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. For the study, 24 healthy men at risk for cardiovascular disease each drank either 500 milliliters of orange juice each day, a "dummy" drink that contained the same calories as orange juice, or a dummy drink fortified with 292 milligrams of hesperidin. A 500 milliliter glass of orange juice naturally contains 292 milligrams of hesperidin.
Over the course of the study, every man drank every beverage for one month straight. The researchers found that when the men drank the daily orange juice or the hesperidin-fortified drink, they had better endothelial function and lower diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of a blood pressure reading) than when they drank the non-hesperidin beverage. In addition, gene expression profiles (as related to cardiovascular disease development) were improved. (Source)
Comments: While a study that may show the benefits of consuming orange juice may provide some insight to the health benefits of such juice, it should be noted that this particular study is more likely than not looking for a way to take the 'hesperidin' and make it into a drug. Nothing is going to perform better than the fruits and vegetables grown on healthy soil, that are ripened before picked, and eaten raw. The real issue is whether or not we can keep our soil healthy enough to sustain healthy fruits and vegetables. Only if more of us choose to eat more fruits and vegetables. With more demand, the quality should improve, or at least keep from getting worse. Please make the effort to get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day (then work your way to 7!).
Dr. J. Patrick Havey
The Health & Wellness Institute, PC
Fruit and Vegetable Nutrients: Juice Plus+®
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