The rates of obesity are on the rise, contributing to chronic diseases. Citrus fruits are good sources of antioxidants that can prevent obesity-related diseases.
- Obesity increases the risk of death from chronic diseases
- Oranges and other citrus fruits have beneficial effect on obese people
- Citrus fruits are rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants
- Flavanones in citrus fruits prevent or delay chronic diseases caused by obesity in humans
Obesity - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Treatment
Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.
Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.
‘Citrus fruits such as orange, lime, and lemon contain flavanones, a class of antioxidants that prevent or delay chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and liver diseases caused by obesity.’
Obesity is defined as the accumulation of excess body fat than normal. An individual with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is considered as obese. Obesity is caused due to an energy imbalance between the consumed and expended calories. A high-fat diet, physical inactivity due to sedentary lifestyle and urbanization are some of the contributing factors to obesity. The global prevalence of obesity more than doubled between the years 1980 and 2014, the World Health Organization has reported. Obesity is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, disability and healthcare costs in the United States. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of the US adult population is obese. Obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Fat cells produce excessive reactive oxygen species that damage the cells in a process called as oxidative stress. The body fights the molecules with antioxidants. But, obese individuals have enlarged fat cells that lead to higher levels of reactive oxygen species that overwhelm the body’s ability to counteract them.
Consequences of Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of
Quiz on Obesity
There are thousands out there battling ‘the bulge’. With childhood obesity on the rise even children are not spared. If your weight issues are threatening to weigh you down learn more about obesity by taking part in this quiz.
“We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are”. - Adelle Davis
There are thousands out there battling ‘the bulge’. With childhood obesity on the rise even children are not spared. If your weight issues are threatening to weigh you down learn more about obesity by taking part in this quiz.
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Cancer
Citrus Fruits can Prevent Obesity-Related Diseases
Advertisement
Natural Compound in Citrus Fruits May Help in Early-Diagnosis of Liver Diseases
Limonene, used as a common additive in drinks, is an aroma molecule that acts as a good indicator for detecting liver diseases through breath.
Limonene, used as a common additive in drinks, is an aroma molecule that acts as a good indicator for detecting liver diseases through breath.
A team of researchers from the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) in Brazil studied the effect of citrus flavanones on mice with no genetic modifications. An experimental study included 50 mice. The researchers treated the mice with flavanones found in oranges, limes, and lemons. The researchers focused on the flavanones - hesperidin, eriocitrin and eriodictyol. Mice were divided into groups and fed a standard diet, a high-fat diet, high-fat diet plus hesperidin, a high-fat diet plus eriocitrin or a high-fat diet plus eriodictyol.
Advertisement
Smoked Meats, Cheeses, Citrus Fruits, Soy Sauce, Red Wine can Cause You Headache
Tyramine, that is formed from the breakdown of protein in food as it gets old, can cause the blood pressure to rise, resulting in headaches.
Tyramine, that is formed from the breakdown of protein in food as it gets old, can cause the blood pressure to rise, resulting in headaches.
The TBARS levels in the liver decreased in mice on a diet that included hesperidin, eriocitrin and eriodictyol by 50%, 57% and 60% respectively, compared with mice fed a high-fat diet but not given flavanones. The TBARS levels in blood reduced in mice on a diet that included Eriocitrin and eriodictyol by 48% and 47% respectively. The researchers also found that mice treated with hesperidin and eriodictyol had reduced fat accumulation and damage in the liver.
Thais B. Cesar, Ph.D., who led the research team, said, "Our studies did not show any weight loss due to the citrus flavanones. However, even without helping the mice lose weight, they made them healthier with lower oxidative stress, less liver damage, lower blood lipids and lower blood glucose."
"Our results indicate that in the future we can use citrus flavanones, a class of antioxidants, to prevent or delay chronic diseases caused by obesity in humans," said Paula S. Ferreira, a graduate student with the research team.
"This study also suggests that consuming citrus fruits probably could have beneficial effects for people who are not obese, but have diets rich in fats, putting them at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity," Ferreira added.
The team hopes to conduct further research on how best to administer these flavanones, whether in the form of citrus juice, fruit or a pill. The team also plans to conduct the study involving humans. The study was presented at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Tips to Shed Extra Kilos
1. Make healthier food choices
2. Limit consumption of fats and sugars
3. Increase the intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts
4. Engage in regular physical activities for at least a minimum of 3 days a week
5. Walk or cycle to work
6. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator
Source-Medindia
