"The Health Benefits of Citrus Fruit" is a 248-page report by the Australian scientific group CSIRO , which examines 48 studies proving that a diet rich in citrus fruits contributes significantly to the prevention of several cancers.
Citrus fruits seem to protect against cancer of the esophagus , oral cavity and stomach , reducing the risk of them by an impressive 40-50%.
The World Health Organization complements this report with its study "Diets, Nutrition and Prevention of Chronic Diseases". According to its results, daily consumption of citrus provides protection against cardiovascular disease due to their rich content of folic acid. Folic acid lowers the risk factor for heart problems. The potassium they provide helps prevent hypertension, arrhythmia and heart failure. And in vitamin C , carotenoids and flavonoids provide antioxidant and anti-stress benefits for the entire cardiovascular system.
According to scientists, one extra serving of fruits and vegetables a day reduces the risk of stroke by 4%, and this effect is 5-6 times stronger in citrus - reduced to 19% with just one extra serving a day.
The CSIRO report also includes evidence of significant positive effects of citrus consumption in arthritis , asthma , Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, kidney stones, multiple sclerosis, cholera, gingivitis, ulcers and more.
Low fat, but rich in nutrients, citrus fruits have a low glycemic index , the consumption of which protects against obesity and related complications: hypertension , diabetes , arthritis and others.
Scientists give many examples to support their claims. For example, orange contains over 170 different phytonutrients and over 60 flavonoids, most of which have proven anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, as well as powerful antioxidant effects. The polyphenols that citrus fruits are rich in are known for their antiviral , anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Citrus polyphenols, in addition to these properties, play a significant role in brain activities such as learning and memory .
More and more studies show that the absorption of nutrients is much greater not when taking tablets and other forms of food supplements, but when obtaining them from fruits and vegetables. The unique for each plant combinations of phytonutrients and other biologically active compounds can not yet be achieved in medicinal products or food supplements, so the best source remains fresh fruits and vegetables.