Citrus fruits contain several antioxidants that may prevent a range of health concerns. According to a recent article exploring the health benefits of popular foods, citrus fruits may lower ischemic stroke risk, maintain blood pressure, and support heart health. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which are the largest group of phytonutrients - plant chemicals - with more than 6,000 types. Phytonutrients along with carotenoids are responsible for the vivid colors of fruits and vegetables. There are several groups of flavonoids, including anthocyanidins, flavanols, flavones, flavanones and isoflavones. Flavanones, such as hesperidin, eriocitrin, and eriodictyol, are abundant in citrus fruits and have been associated with lowering oxidative stress in vitro and animal models.

"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," says Paula S. Ferreira, a graduate student with the research team. The investigators are presenting the results of the study at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

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