Antioxidants are nutrients found in food that protect your cells against the oxidative damage that can lead to chronic disease. Antioxidant nutrients include vitamins E and C, beta carotene, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids. Acerola is a tropical plant rich in vitamin C, and hesperidin is a flavonoid found in the membrane of come citrus fruits. While these foods may not be a regular part of your diet, you can find antioxidant supplements that contain these two ingredients.
Acerola
Acerola is a fruit native to the West Indies but also grown in South America, Central America, Texas and Florida. Both the fruit and its juice are used as a source of food. Both are high in vitamin C, containing 1,000 to 4,500 milligrams of vitamin C per 100-gram portion. Acerola is also high in vitamin A, with 4,300 to 12,500 milligrams per 100-gram serving. While you can eat the acerola fruit to meet your vitamin C and A needs, once picked from the tree, the fruit deteriorates quickly. Acerola is sold as a health food supplement because of its high vitamin C content.
Hesperidin
Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in oranges and lemons, with sweet oranges and tangelos containing the highest amounts. Most of the hesperidin in these fruits are found in the membranes and peel. As a byproduct of citrus cultivation, the membranes and peels are used to extract the flavonoid for dietary supplementation. According to noted health author Dr. Ray Sahelian, poor intakes of hesperidin can affect blood vessel health, and cause leg cramps and pain.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It is necessary for the formation of the structural protein collagen. It also helps support your immune system and is essential for normal growth and development. Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C for adult men is 90 milligrams a day, and for adult women, it is 75 milligrams a day. One serving of acerola fruit more than adequately meets your daily vitamin C needs.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. People with higher amounts of flavonoids in their diet have lower rates of chronic disease, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. Flavonoids are also antioxidants, protecting your cells against oxidation and free-radical damage. Flavonoids also play a key role in cell signaling, helping to regulate cell growth and death.
Acerola and Hesperidin Supplements
To help you meet both your vitamin C and flavonoid needs, you can find dietary supplements that combine acerola and hesperidin. Before adding these supplements to your diet, consult your physician to make sure they are safe to take for your medical condition.
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