Consumption of ‘Moro’ and ‘Pera’ orange juices does not increase glycaemic and insulinemic responses to other foods in adults

Abstract

There has been concern regarding the consumption of fruit juices because of the high levels of naturally occurring sugars they contain, which could rapidly elevate glycaemic response and increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. We conducted two trials in which each volunteer ingested (1) white bread with 200 mL of two types of orange juice prepared from ‘Moro’ and ‘Pera’ varieties (MOJ and POJ) – the former containing anthocyanins – and the same juices alone; and (2) 200 mL of POJ or MOJ followed by a sandwich made with white bread, plus light cheese or butter, and also the same juices alone. Capillary blood was collected over 120 minutes, and glucose and insulin levels were analysed. In the crossover clinical design with healthy volunteers, we observed that both orange juices do not increase blood glucose and insulin, even when co-consumed with other typical breakfast foods in Brazil. In conclusion, orange juice does not elevate postprandial glycaemic responses to the meal while providing additional sugars and nutrients.