Citrus breakthrough: Oranges and tangerines fight obesity
For many, these are still the scents of holidays and Christmas gift packages. Although tangerines and oranges are available all year round, the absolute citrus frenzy begins in autumn and winter. We value these fruits for being rich sources of vitamin C, but—as scientists convey—beloved oranges and tangerines may also aid in the fight against obesity, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.
Researchers from the American Robarts Research Institute at the University of Western Ontario conducted tests on mice, demonstrating that nobiletin—a compound present in tangerines and oranges—effectively counters symptoms and conditions related to obesity, including arterial atherosclerosis.
Tangerines and oranges for obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis
Scientists fed the mice a high-fat, cholesterol-rich diet. The mice given nobiletin (a polymethoxylated flavone found in large amounts in citrus peels) gained less weight, exhibited reduced insulin resistance, and had lower blood serum lipid levels than those not given the compound.
"We‘ve shown that in mice that already have all the negative symptoms of obesity, we can use nobelitin to reverse those symptoms, and even start to regress plaque build-up in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This result told us that nobiletin is not acting on AMP Kinase, and is bypassing this major regulator of how fat is used in the body," emphasizes Prof. Murray Huff, who led the research.
Experts acknowledge that the mechanism of nobiletin's action remains uncertain, but the results of these tests—as Prof. Huff explains—are significant. It is worth noting that two years ago, Prof. Huff's team discovered the flavonoid naringenin in grapefruits. This compound protects against obesity and metabolic syndrome; however, nobiletin has been shown to be 10 times more effective in these areas. Furthermore, as Prof. Huff's team demonstrated, nobiletin also protects against atherosclerosis.
Why is it worth eating tangerines and oranges?
The research indicates that nobiletin also exhibits other health-promoting properties, including neuroprotective effects (which prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease) and anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.
Tangerines and oranges, sources of nobiletin, possess many other valuable properties. Consuming one orange or two tangerines can meet the daily requirement for vitamin C. Additionally, the essential oils in citrus fruits have relaxing properties that positively affect our well-being. Although citrus fruits are acidic in taste, they have an alkalising effect on the body, helping to maintain acid-base balance.
