Nutrients

Hesperidin Power

Hesperidin is a citrus flavonoid, which means that it is an organic molecular compound based on the flavones molecule. Like many other flavonoids, it is also based on Quercetin, a common flavonoid structure. It has uses as a supplement and as apart of a balanced diet for anti-inflammatory action, as well as anti-oxidant action, and it can be used to help the body control its allergic reactions. Hesperidin can be found in several multivitamins and while large doses can be harmful (especially to pregnant women), the only likely side-effect is gastrointestinal issues like upset or sour stomach or heartburn.

Flavonoids

There are over four thousand flavonoids found in plants. While you may occasionally hear in the media about “Bio-Flavonoids”, this is a misnomer, because flavonoids like Hesperidin are by definition biological in origin. Flavonoids are anti-oxidants that generally have effects on the blood and on the immune system as well as on free radicals and oxidants.

Flavonoids have been called “Nature’s response changers”, because they modify the body’s reaction to things like viruses and allergens, and even can change the body’s reaction to carcinogens. They show anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits, and are some of the strongest anti-oxidants. Because of their relationship to beating or not even getting cancer, as well as their indications of treating and preventing cardio-vascular disease, as well as because they have numerous side benefits such as improved circulation, increased blood flow, and improved vitamin distribution throughout the body, Flavonoids are becoming more and more popular.

Oxidants and Anti-Oxidants

In the 18th Century, Oxidants were called Calxes, after the calcination process that they used to get them. However, oxide was considered the more appropriate name based on the properties of the chemicals themselves, as opposed to the way in which they were produced. Oxides combine with background radiation in the body to produce “Free Radicals”. Free Radicals are substances with changed electron shell configurations that can damage the cells of the body. Should the damage become great enough, or affect the DNA, it is possible to develop cancer as a result of these Free Radicals. Anti-Oxidants work by preventing the oxidation of the oxides in your system, thus preventing the creating of free radicals, and the damage, from occurring.

Benefits

Almost all flavonoids have positive effects on the body in its relation to blood transfer and anti-oxidants. Hesperidin is used primarily to assist treatment of capillary disorders like hemorrhoids and varicose veins, as it strengthens capillaries and heals damage. It can also be used to help with treatment of capillary leakage and joint pain, as it helps blood flow more easily through the nervous system.

The anti-oxidant qualities of flavonoids have been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer, as well as to lengthen life by lessening the severity of age-related disease. In some cases, due to the beneficial nature of Flavonoids on blood flow throughout the body, side benefits such as improvements in vision may be experienced.

Warnings

Overall, there are few warnings for Hesperidin. There is no evidence of any negative effects from long term exposure to the flavonoid, nor are there any indications of toxicity at any level. However, like all Flavonoids, great care should be exercised by pregnant or breast-feeding women, as it is possible that high levels of the supplement may cause injury or damage. Like all supplements and changes in lifestyle, your doctor or primary care provider should be consulted before you begin taking any kind of flavonoid supplement.

Citrus Flavonoids

Hesperidin is considered a “Citrus Flavonoid”. Citrus Flavonoids are characterized by their behavior towards the body’s reaction to Vitamin C, which is generally associated with Citrus. In fact, Hesperidin is most commonly found in citrus fruits itself, such as lemons and oranges. The peel and the membranous parts (as opposed to the fruit part itself) have the highest amounts and concentration of the flavonoid, and as they are the main byproduct of citrus plant growers, the flavonoid is inexpensive to get, while a deficiency of it has been linked to health problems, so it would be wise to make sure that you’re getting at least some in your diet, to prevent ailments like leaky capillaries and pain in the extremities, causing stiffness.

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