Health Benefits of Hesperidin | Hesperidin Benefits

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Hesperidin (aka hesperitin) is an antioxidant of the flavonoid family of plant based chemicals called phytochemicals or phytonutrients. Flavonoids are the most well known group of these phytochemicals. They are the heart healthy components of red wine (resveratrol) and the anti-cancer compounds in green tea (catechins). They are also the major component of the high antioxidant score of the superstar berries acai and blueberry (anthocyanins). Hesperidin in comparison is less well known, but still a very potent antioxidant. It is found in the peel and white membranes of all citrus fruits and is especially high in sweet oranges and tangelos. Hesperidin benefits are still being discovered. However, here is was is known about this antioxidant so far.

Heart Health Benefits of Hesperidin

Hesperidin has been found to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol in two different ways -

1) A study has shown that it can improve overall cholesterol levels. It raises HDL “good” cholesterol levels and lowers LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. It also helps lower raised serum triglycerides levels.

2) As an antioxidant, it is especially effective at protecting cholesterol cells from free radical damage. Such damage is a leading factor in the development of atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for developing heart disease.

In one study (with animals), hesperidin health benefits included lowering blood pressure. Hesperidin helped increase the amount of blood an artery can pump by increasing the elasticity and therefore the amount an artery can expand. In those with high blood pressure, the arteries are often less elastic and the heart has to work harder to pump the blood around the body, creating high blood pressure.

Hemorrhoid Health Benefits of Hesperidin

A research study tested the effects of hesperidin combined with another flavonoid called diosmin upon sufferers of acute and chronic hemorrhoid symptoms. 120 male and female participants were either given a placebo or the diosmin and hesperidin mixture over a period of 2 months. Those who took the diosmin and hesperidin mixture reported half as many attacks as the placebo group and experienced considerably less pain from their symptoms.

Hesperidin helps hemorrhoids in several different ways. First, it improves the structural lining of the capilleries involved in hemorrhoids. Second, it decreases water retention of these capilleries, reducing pain. Third, it has anti-inflammatory effects helping to reduce pain.

Hypoglycemic Health Benefits of Hesperidin

When ingested, hesperidin increases the activity of an enzyme called glucokinase. This is beneficial for diabetes mellitus because glucokinase metobilizes glucose out of the blood stream, lowering blood sugar levels.

Best Sources for Hesperidin

Hesperidin is available as a supplement. This is a great way to get a high intake. Food sources however, are more bio-available. This means that more hesperidin makes it into the blood stream and to our cells, where it imparts its health benefits. One study found that drinking orange juice and grapefruit juice is the most bio-available way to ingest hesperidin. An additional note is that the white membranes of oranges and other citrus fruits, especially the white inside their peels, is the area that most of the hesperidin is found. So, when making homemade citrus juicer recipes , it is a good idea to scrape off some of the white peel and juice this with the flesh of the fruit.

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