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A number of studies has shown that 100% fruit juice, especially orange juice, is a valuable source of nutrients and plant bioactives, such as carotenoids and polyphenols (e.g. hesperidin). Compared with whole fruit, 100% orange juice has a similar bioavailability of polyphenols and a higher bioavailability of carotenoids. In terms of absorption and metabolism of hesperidin, processed 100% fruit juice performs better than freshly squeezed juice thanks to the more efficient commercial juicing process.

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100% orange juice contains an array of vitamins, minerals and bioactives. Key nutrients are folate, potassium and vitamin C - which support various aspects of health, such as normal blood pressure, immune function and antioxidant processes. Orange juice contains the polyphenol, hesperidin, which is the focus of new research relating to cardiovascular and gut health. Interestingly, the nutritional composition of 100% fruit juice is not significantly lessened by commercial juicing nor appropriate storage. While fruit is rightly acknowledged as a valuable source of vitamins and polyphenols, a daily glass of 100% fruit juice can have a complementary role in healthy balanced diets.

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Scientific evidence confirms that 100% fruit juices do not negatively impact glucose-insulin homeostasis, nor contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. This is probably due to their low Glycemic Index (GI) and the presence of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, which appear to modulate lipid oxidation and insulin/glucose control. Polyphenols, such as hesperidin found in orange juice, also have anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties which are of relevance in type 2 diabetes. The polyphenol content may explain why 100% orange juice affects metabolic markers in different ways when compared with sugar-sweetened beverages matched for energy and sugars.

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Hesperidin is a polyphenol found almost exclusively in citrus fruits and their juices, with a particularly high bioavailability from 100% orange juice. Both hesperidin and 100% orange juice are associated with improved markers of cardiovascular health, especially vascular function. It is likely that hesperidin acts in synergy with other compounds in citrus fruit juice, such as potassium, vitamin C and narirutin. Low compliance with fruit and fruit juice guidelines across Europe means there is scope for a daily glass of 100% orange juice to contribute to optimal intakes of hesperidin.

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