Citrus fruits are essential foods to integrate into your diet. The most popular are: oranges, lemons, grapefruits and cedars rich in polyphenols , flavonoids and vitamin C with antioxidant and protective action, vitamins, in fact , are essential for maintaining our health .
They strengthen and make the functioning of our immune system more efficient in fighting bacteria , viruses and inflammatory states .
In recent years, studies have also confirmed that vitamins and minerals develop a mutually potentiating synergy , to be bioavailable for our body.
Why integrate them?
Mandarin
Mandarin contains a molecule called nobiletin which helps reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver and improves insulin activity.
It is also rich in vitamins of group B and A , folic acid and vitamin P , it is easily digestible and being rich in fiber it facilitates intestinal activity.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit has properties purifying And digestive as well as having cholesterol- lowering functions. Also useful for preventing diabetes thanks to the presence of naringenin. Furthermore, this molecule allows to normalize blood sugar, cholesterol and the amount of triglycerides, promoting weight loss.
Lemon
Lemon is excellent for regulating intestinal activity , with antiseptic and antibacterial properties it can be defined as a natural antibacterial . It also contributes to favoring the absorption of iron when associated with foods that contain it.
The lemon also has an astringent and coagulant action, keeping cholesterol within certain levels
To start the day well and benefit from the properties of lemon, you can opt for a glass with warm water and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
The lemon peel is used to extract the essential oil useful for reducing mental fatigue and apathy, its aroma in fact stimulates the brain, giving vitality and energy .
Orange
Rich in Vitamin C, carroteinoids, mineral salts, vitamins A, B and P and many organic acids and fibers.
When you peel the oranges do not eliminate all the white part, this contains fibers that help regulate intestinal activity and limit the absorption of sugars.
Furthermore, the essential oil is obtained from the orange peel, recognized and used in aromatherapy for its antidepressant and anti- inflammatory properties. This essential oil is also called "smile oil", it has a sweet and uplifting scent.
Orange is also very rich in Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, Chlorine, Calcium and Magnesium, precious minerals for the balance of the nervous system, blood and heart health.
The Mediterranean diet sees fruit and vegetables as basic foods, especially citrus fruits, so integrating them into the diet will allow you to benefit from the contribution of vitamin C, also calledascorbic acid , and its antioxidant action.
Bergamot
Bergamot is a citrus fruit with healing and anti- inflammatory properties. Often consumed by high cholesterol sufferers for its properties in fact , it would seem that this fruit is able to significantly reduce the amount of "bad" cholesterol reducing the probability of cardiovascular disease. This is thanks to the presence of flavonoids: neoeriocitrina, neoesperidina and naringina.