Peels to peel bad cholesterol

Abstract

Polymethoxylated fl avones (PMFs) are plant pigments found in the peels of citrus fruits which have been related to protect against cancer, heart disease and infl ammation. The most common citrus PMFs, tangeretin and nobiletin, are found in the peels of tangerines and oranges. It has been shown that feeding hypercholesterolemic hamsters with food containing 1% PMFs (tangeretin, or citrus fl avanone glucosides, hesperidin and naringin) lowered LDL levels by up to 40%. It is thought to act by inhibiting cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis in the liver.[2] It is estimated that a person needs >20 cups/day (~3-4liters) of orange or tangerine juice to have a therapeutic effect. PMF supplements may be the answer.

Keywords: News and Views