Norfolk-based scientists are looking for new recruits to a study looking at the benefits of drinking orange for preventing heart disease.

Officials from the Institute of Food Research, on Norwich Research Park, are launching the trial, which involves asking volunteers to drink two glasses of juice every day for up to four weeks.

More than two million people are affected by heart disease in the UK every year and there is evidence that eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day reduces the occurrence of age related diseases.

The institute's latest study will find out if drinking different types of orange juice, including anthocyanin-rich blood orange and standard orange juice, has an impact on the risk of developing heart disease.

The research centre is aiming to recruit men with waist measurements greater than 102cm (40inches) and women with waist measurements greater than 88cm (36inches).

The study will involve the recruitment of 42 participants between the age of 25 and 84 years of age, who will be asked to drink up to 500ml of either blood or blond juice each day for 28 days.

Volunteers will also need to provide blood samples on five occasions and undergo some simple tests similar to measure blood pressure.

The study will run until the end of 2015.

For more information, visit http://www.ifr.ac.uk/research/food-health/orange-juice-and-cardiovascular-health-study/

You can also contact 01603 255 360 or charlotte.armah@ifr.ac.uk