Citrus Fruits Might Help Fight Against Insulin Resistance

Eating enough fruits and vegetables (at LEAST 5 servings per day) is an important part of a well-balanced, healthy diet.  Fruits and vegetables are good dietary sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals.  Additionally, many of the other phytochemicals (chemicals naturally found in plants) present in fruits and vegetables have been shown to have anti-oxidant activity and reported to help support overall good health.

A new research study examined the effect of two citrus fruit phytochemicals (the bioflavonoids hesperetin and naringenin) on the action of fat cells, which are known to produce inflammation-causing chemicals associated with some chronic health conditions.  The results of their study showed that both hesperetin and naringenin blocked the production of free fatty acids from mouse fat cells treated with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), a cellular chemical that induces inflammation and fat breakdown.

This is interesting research because of the role of free fatty acids in the possible development of diabetes.  Fat tissue is known to produce excessive amounts of inflammation-causing chemicals like TNFalpha, which convert the stored fat in fat cells into free fatty acids.  Elevated blood levels of free fatty acids have been shown to promote insulin resistance (a state where insulin is produced but not used properly), one of the first steps on the path to diabetes.  Therefore, this study suggests that these two citrus bioflavonoids might help fight against the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Inclusion of citrus fruits in our diet is a good way to get these phytochemicals.  Fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits are good citrus fruit choices to include in your diet if you are looking to increase your consumption of citrus bioflavonoids like hesperetin and naringenin.  You can read more about citrus bioflavonoids at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Making fruits and vegetables part of your daily eating habits is simple with my easy diet plan.  To learn more visit me at Dr. Tabor's Slim & Beautiful Diet.