Tangerine Dream
Tangerine and orange peel could contain a more effective
cholesterol-lowering agent than available pharmaceuticals, according to
researchers at the US Department of Agriculture and KGK Synergize, a
Canadian nutraceutical company.
The researchers have identified compounds isolated from orange and
tangerine peels that shows promise in laboratory studies as a potent,
natural alternative for lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol (the so-called bad cholesterol); the compounds should not
have the side effects of liver disease and muscle weakness that are
occasionally seen with conventional cholesterol-lowering agents.
The compounds, polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), are similar to other
plant pigments found in citrus fruits that have been increasingly linked
to health benefits, including protection against cancer, heart disease
and inflammation. The researchers claim this is the first time PMFs have
been shown to lower cholesterol.
“Our study has shown that PMFs have the most potent cholesterol-lowering
effect of any other citrus flavonoid,” explains lead investigator
Elzbieta Kurowska of KGK Synergize, “We believe that PMFs have the
potential to rival and even beat the cholesterol-lowering effect of some
prescription drugs, without the risk of side effects.”
PMFs are found in a variety of citrus fruits. The most common citrus
PMFs, tangeretin and nobiletin, are found in the peels of tangerines and
oranges. They are also found in smaller amounts in the juices of these
fruits. The bottom line for breakfast toast eaters could be: light on
the unsalted butter, but heavy with the thick-cut marmalade!
You can read more about this research in
J Agric Food Chem. If
you don't fancy an orange but still want natural health why not check
out an earlier article about ginseng.
Tangerine and orange peel could contain a more effective
cholesterol-lowering agent than available pharmaceuticals, according to
researchers at the US Department of Agriculture and KGK Synergize, a
Canadian nutraceutical company.
The researchers have identified compounds isolated from orange and
tangerine peels that shows promise in laboratory studies as a potent,
natural alternative for lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol (the so-called bad cholesterol); the compounds should not
have the side effects of liver disease and muscle weakness that are
occasionally seen with conventional cholesterol-lowering agents.
The compounds, polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), are similar to other
plant pigments found in citrus fruits that have been increasingly linked
to health benefits, including protection against cancer, heart disease
and inflammation. The researchers claim this is the first time PMFs have
been shown to lower cholesterol.
“Our study has shown that PMFs have the most potent cholesterol-lowering
effect of any other citrus flavonoid,” explains lead investigator
Elzbieta Kurowska of KGK Synergize, “We believe that PMFs have the
potential to rival and even beat the cholesterol-lowering effect of some
prescription drugs, without the risk of side effects.”
PMFs are found in a variety of citrus fruits. The most common citrus
PMFs, tangeretin and nobiletin, are found in the peels of tangerines and
oranges. They are also found in smaller amounts in the juices of these
fruits. The bottom line for breakfast toast eaters could be: light on
the unsalted butter, but heavy with the thick-cut marmalade!
You can read more about this research in
J Agric Food Chem. If
you don't fancy an orange but still want natural health why not check
out an earlier article about ginseng.