HOW LIME, LEMON
PREVENT CHRONIC DISEASES CAUSED BY OBESITY
Friday, 26th August, 2016
Researchers have found a class
antioxidants in oranges, limes, and lemons may help prevent the harmful effects
of obesity in mice fed a Western high-fat diet.
Citrus fruits contain several
antioxidants that may prevent a range of health concerns. According to a recent
article exploring the health benefits of popular foods, citrus fruits may lower
ischemic stroke risk, maintain blood pressure, and support heart health.
Fruits and vegetables contain
antioxidants called flavonoids, which are the largest group of phytonutrients –
plant chemicals – with more than 6,000 types. Phytonutrients along with
carotenoids are responsible for the vivid colors of fruits and vegetables.
There are several groups of flavonoids, including anthocyanidins, flavanols, flavones, flavanones and isoflavones. Flavanones, such as hesperidin, eriocitrin, and eriodictyol, are abundant in citrus fruits and have been associated with lowering oxidative stress in vitro and animal models.
“Our results indicate that in the
future we can use citrus flavanones, a class of antioxidants, to prevent or
delay chronic diseases caused by obesity in humans,” says Paula S. Ferreira, a
graduate student with the research team.
The investigators are presenting the
results of the study at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the
American Chemical Society (ACS).
Oxidative stress causes chronic disease in obese individuals
According to the United States
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than one third of all adults in the
United States are obese.
Ferreira explained that obesity is a
significant factor in increasing the risk of developing heart disease, liver
disease, and type 2 diabetes; potentially due to oxidative stress and
inflammation. Read more
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