Tasty Tangy Tangerines Battling Obesity and Guarding Heart

A substance contained in tangerines has been found not only to stop obesity but guards against type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, the concealed disease accountable for most heart attacks and stroke. The study looked at the effects of a flavonoid in tangerines. Dr. Murray Huff, PhD, Co-Director and Scientist, Vascular Biology Group, Professor, Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in collaboration with Erin Mulvihill, PhD student conducted this study which appears published in the journal of Diabetes.

Using a metabolic syndrome model developed by the Huff laboratory at the Robarts Research Institute, mice had been fed a western diet which is high in fats and sugar. One group of mice became obese and displayed all the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, raised cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood levels of insulin, glucose and fatty liver. These metabolic irregularities significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The second group of mice consumed the same diet with the exception of Nobiletin added, Nobiletin being a citrus bioflavonoid. There was no changes in cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin levels, glucose or fatty liver. Their weight gain was at a normal rate. The mice become more sensitive to the insulin effects. Nobiletin had demonstrated to halt the buildup of fat in the liver by stimulating the expression of genes involved in burning excess fat. It also stopped the genes responsible for producing fat.

The mice treated with Nobiletin were essentially protected from obesity according to Dr. Huff. Nobiletin also provided protection from atherosclerosis. This study makes way for future studies to see if this is a acceptable treatment for metabolic syndrome and associated conditions in people.

Dr. Huff had received international attention two years prior for his research when he had found that a flavonoid in grapefruit, Naringenin, had given similar protection against obesity and other signs of metabolic syndrome. Dr. Huff makes note that Nobiletin is ten times stronger in protective effects than Naringenin. Plus Nobiletin does provide protection against atherosclerosis.

Additional nutritional and health benefits:

Tangerines contain natural antiseptic qualities that guard the body against staphylococcus aureus, the much dreaded bacteria responsible for spreading septic in human body.

Tangerines provide relief of painful body spasms. Tangerines provides a calming effect on the nerves and is thought to relax organic systems.

Aides in repairing external wear and tear or significant damage done to the body.

Tangerines are rich blood purifying agents and are used as to decontaminate or purify.

It can decrease all kinds of inflammation and hyperactivity in the body. It is used as a sedative against fever, poison, paroxysms, anxiousness, stress, allergic reaction and more.

Tangerine, especially its essential oil, is widely favored as tonic that aids in proper functioning of the body, boost metabolism, and help in decomposition of and absorption of nutrients by toning up the liver, stomach and intestines.

Sources:

Science Daily

Ray Sahelian

Medical News

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