Flavanones

Many people may be unaware of flavanones. These are compounds that are a subclass of flavonoids, and seen mainly in citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.⁷ While an orange has the highest amounts of flavanones at 48 mg/100 g aglycones,⁸ a grapefruit has a total flavanone content (summed means) of 27 mg/100 g⁹. Lemons contain an overall flavanone content of 26 mg aglycones/100 g edible fruit or juice, while limes have 17 mg aglycones/100 g edible fruit or juice.¹⁰ Epidemiological studies showed and demonstrated the many benefits of flavanones including its anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties.¹¹ A previous study demonstrated the possibility of flavanones decreasing the risk of ischemic stroke in women by 17%.¹²

Well you may be wondering since oranges have a greater content of flavanones, would it not be easier to just drink up some orange juice instead? Well as we have always advocated, commercial juices frequently contain excess sugar, and while you may benefit from the decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, it would be unwise to do so at the expense of diabetes.

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