Proper nutrition is paramount to health and well-being. A healthy diet is characterized by a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats that provide vital nutrients for body function. While an apple a day may keep the doctor away, the orange is a heavy competitor when it comes to health benefits, according to some research.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a large family of polyphenic compounds, or antioxidants found in plants. You may have heard the term polyphenol in relation to the heart health benefits of red wine. According to Ohio State University's Linus Paul Institute, researchers are interested in the potential health benefits of flavonoids associated with fruit and vegetable-rich diets. Rather than their antioxidant ability, the biological effects of flavonoids appear in relation to their ability to modulate cell-signaling pathways.
Cholesterol-lowering
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your liver produces and is found in your diet. When your body has more cholesterol than it needs, it can accumulate in your arteries forming plaque and reducing blood flow. High-density lipoprotein, or "good cholesterol," helps remove excess cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein, or "bad cholesterol," transports it throughout your body. According to a study published in the November 2007 issue of "Alternative Therapies," citrus flavonoids reduced patient's LDL 19 to 27 percent, and triglycerides 24 to 34 percent, while HDL levels remained unchanged.
Anti-cancer
According to a review published in the August 2008 issue of the "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry," in animal studies, citrus flavonoids exhibit anti-cancer activity by helping metabolize carcinogenic components into less toxic materials or neutralizing them to prevent their biological actions. Another method citrus flavonoids help protect against cancer is due to suppressing agents that prevent the formation of new cancers by pro-carcinogens, and by blocking agents that prevent carcinogens from reaching critical initiation sites.
Cardiovascular
The JAFC study reveals that a large portion of citrus flavonoid activity appears to benefit blood and microvascular cells. In animal studies, its protection against coronary heart disease appear to be related to its anti-thrombotic, anti-oxidant and vasorelaxant effect that widens blood vessels, improving cardiac blood flow. Vasorelaxation also decreases the ability for platelets to stick together and form blood clots.
Government Takes Notice
The U.S Department of Agriculture has also taken notice, providing further information on how citrus flavonoids help reduce cholesterol. According to the USDA, research indicates that citrus flavonoids decrease blood serum levels of apoprotein B, the structural protein of LDL. When too much LDL circulates, it can lead to heart attacks and stroke by clogging arteries.
References
- Ohio State University -- Linus Paul Institute: Flavonoids
- "Alternative Therapies"; Effect of Citrus Flavonoids and Tocotreinols on Serum Cholesterol Levels in Hypercholesterolemic Subjects; James M. Roza et al.; November / December 2007
- "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry"; Update on Uses and Properties of Citrus Flavonoids: New Findings in Anti-cancer, Cardiovascular, and Anti-inflammatory Activity
- ARS.USDA.gov: Cholesterol-Reducing Flavonoids Found in Citrus Peels
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