These days, juicy, delicious
oranges are practically synonymous
with vitamin C. But did you know that America's favorite fruit also
provides healthful natural compounds called limonoids? In
laboratory tests with animals and with human cells, citrus
limonoids have been shown to
help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast,
stomach, and colon.
Agricultural Research Service
scientists in northern
California led by chemist Gary D. Manners of
the Western Regional Research Center in Albany have uncovered new details about these
compounds. Their research has demonstrated that our bodies
can readily access a limonoid called limonin, and all of its
health-imparting properties, each time we bite into an
orange. This is the first time that bioavailability has
been shown in humans.
In some individuals, limonin
remains in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours which is an
impressive length of time. This longevity, or persistence,
may help explain why limonoids fight the type of cancer
cells which proliferate unless they are continuously
suppressed.
A single orange provides 12.5%
of the daily value for fiber, which has been shown to reduce
high cholesterol levels and to prevent atherosclerosis. A
single orange offers you over 170 different phytochemicals
and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown
to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and blood clot
inhibiting properties, as well as strong antioxidant
effects.
Although oranges are the major
fruit in the citrus fruits group we shouldn’t forget about
the others such as Tangerines, Mandarines, Clementines ,
Satsumas, Lemons, Limes and Grapefruits.
Treat yourself, and your
children, to a slice of life today!
