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ANTIOXIDANTS - Citrus fruits generally have the highest
antioxidant activity of all fruit classes. Boosts immune system;
may protect against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, degeneration of
the macular area of eyes and infection
CARATENOIDS - Includes beta carotene, alpha carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin,
cryptoxanthin. Moderate to high levels generally with over 60 present.
Particularly good source of beta carotene.
DIETARY FIBER - Includes soluble and insoluble polysaccharides,
resistant starch and some other components. Good source. Decreases
transit time of food in the gut, improves gut micro flora and certain
fibers help lower blood fats. May reduce risk of certain cancers
and heart disease and relieve gastric conditions such as constipation.
NON-NUTRIENT PHYTOCHEMICALS - Rich source. Citrus contain a number of
phytochemical components. Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and blood
clot inhibiting properties; strong antioxidant effects; may protect
against some of the common chronic diseases such as cancer and
cardiovascular disease, degenerative eye and cognitive conditions, and
general damage caused by aging. POLYPHENOLS - Good source. Shown
to have a range of health related effects including antioxidant,
anti-viral, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and
anti-carcinogenic. Most interest has centered on a possible role
in cancer and heart disease, and recently brain functions such as
learning and memory. FLAVONOIDS - (Sub-group of polyphenols) Includes
flavanones, flavones, flavanols and anthocyanins. Particularly
abundant in citrus plants. More than 60 individual flavonoids have
been identified. May help protect against cancer, viral infections,
inflammatory disease, allergies, fungal conditions and heart disease.
COUMARINS - (Class of phytochemicals) Good source. Auraptene is the most
common coumarin in citrus. Shown in animal studies to inhibit growth of
tumors, colonic aberrant crypts, and oral and large bowel cancer.
Experimental studies suggest that these substances might protect against
human cancer.
TERPENES - (Class of phytochemicals) Includes mono terpenes and tri-terpenes.
The most abundant terpenes in citrus are liminoids. Liminoids stimulate
a detoxifying enzyme system and inhibit tumor formation. Limonene has
cuased complete regression of mammary and pancreatic tumors. Other
terpenes have been shown to shrink tumors in animals, including
pancreatic cancer.
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ENERGY - Low in dietary energy and energy density. Low energy foods
with high nutrient value are of great importance in the United States
where obesity is reaching epidemic proportions. Overweight and obesity
increase the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, blood
pressure and strke and add to the symptoms of other conditions like
arthritis.
VITAMIN C - Antioxidant; boosts immune system; may
protect against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and infection; assists
absorption of iron and zinc.
FOLATE (FOLIC ACID) - Prevents neural tube defects in children,
stabilizes genetic material, and may also be protective for cancer and
heart disease.
POTASSIUM - Generally high. High potassium and low sodium level
may help in prevention of high blood pressure.
The Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits (2003) by Dr. Katrine Baghurst,
Consumer Science Program, CSIRO Health Sciences & Nutrition
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