Health Benefits of Citrus Bioflavonoids

Health Benefits of Citrus Bioflavonoids

Citrus fruits are one of the greatest gifts of nature to men.Here are some more great reasons to love eating citrus fruits.

Most of the bioflavonoids found in citrus fruits offer protection against cancer. Citrus bioflavonoids protect against ischemia/reperfusion injury in animal models as well , most likely due to their antioxidant action.

Here is a sampling of research on citrus flavonoids :

* Hesperidin

This flavonoid is abundant in oranges and lemons. Based on an animal study, it was found to reduce cancerous and pre-cancerous tonque lesions by sixty-two percent. Other research revealed that supplementing with hesperidin enhanced bone absorption of calcium, phosphorous and zinc and prevented bone loss in an animal model of menopause. Further studies suggest that it could help reduce high blood pressure.

* Naringin

This flavonoid is found in grapefruit. In one study of bone marrow cells, it reduced DNA damage from radiation. As a result, the risk of developing leukemia decreased.. Naringenin , a closely related compound has been found to hinder the growth of colon cancer cells as revealed in some test tube studies.

· Limonene

This flavonoid is abundant in lemons and oranges. It has been used in high doses to slow down the growth of breast tumors with some success, This flavonoid also appears to help frustrate the growth of colon and pancreatic cancers . A Chinese study demonstrated that limonene also induces “apoptosis” or cell death in stomach cancer cells.

* Nobiletin

This flavonoid is found in flat lemons, a fruit popular in Japan. This flavonoid has been found to hinder the production of pro-inflammatory biochemicals notably prostaglandin E2. Animal studies reveal that nobiletin could bean effective treatment for osteoarthritis and that it hinders the metastasis or spread of stomach cancer,

· Diosmin

This flavonoid is found in lemons and oranges. It has been found to reduce oral tumors and pre-cancerous cell changes in an animal model of smoking and tobacco chewing. Along with hespiridin, it has been found to protect against capillarity fragility caused by allergic reactions.

Eating citrus fruits is the best way to get healthy benefits of these flavonids. Usually juices don’t pack the same nutrient punch as the pulp and rind. You can choose bioflavonoid supplementation by taking a mixed supplement that delivers 700- 1500 milligrams per day.

How about trying recipes that call for citrus zest – grated rind – in addition to eating whole fruits. Lemons and limes are not so good for eating, so use their zest in sauces for chicken and fish. Organic citus is the best way to go here since non-organic citrus is sprayed with all kinds of chemicals.

If you are taking prescription medication, be aware that grapefruit is probably not your best choice. It contains furanocoumarins and P-glycoprotein, which enhance the absorption of many drugs and can cause an overdose. Just stick with oranges, lemons and limes.

Source:

USER’S GUIDE TO ANTIOXIDANT SUPPLEMENTS

By

JACK CHALLEM AND MELISSA BLOCK