Citrus fruits help control type 2 diabetes

Citrus fruits are used in both Traditional Chinese Medicineand in Ayurvedic and other traditional Asian medicines for thousands of years to regulate blood sugar. Several scientific studies confirm these properties and the benefits they have for patients with type 2 diabetes.

A study published by the State Ministry of Agriculture of China and Zhejiang University reveals that naringin and neohesperidin have beneficial properties for people suffering from diabetes, as they reduce the level of sugar in the blood. These two substances are found both in the juice and in other parts of different citrus fruits, although the levels vary greatly according to each variety.

This research confirms the results of some previous studies on the ability of citrus fruits to regulate blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes or at risk of developing this disease. Other research has shown that naringin and neohesperidin also help improve liver function to regulate glucose.

A study by the Citrus Research and Education Center found, however, that orange juice contains neither of the two beneficial substances. The tangerines contain good levels of both naringin and neohesperidin, while only very small amounts of naringin and no neohesperidin were found in oranges. Grapefruit is a good source of naringin but has only small amounts of neohesperidin. Lemons, however, contain neither of these two substances.

In another study from the University of Western Ontario (Canada), published in the journal Diabetes, tangerines were found to contain nobiletin, a substance that protects against type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here you can find more information on this subject.

In addition, citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines have a low glycemic index, contain large amounts of soluble fiber and vitamin C, which also help regulate blood glucose levels. They have a satiating effect and only provide few calories.

Don't hesitate, eat mandarins!

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