Citrus Fruits Can Lower Stroke Risks In Women

The number of people suffering from various cardiovascular problems has been increasing year by year, and a great deal of studies and researches are being carried out in order to identify possible preventive treatments and help lower stroke risks, in women and men. A month ago, the findings of one of the relevant researches were reported. It was found out that a substance that can be found in grapefruits, oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits can be used to reduce stroke risks in women and protect us against this very serious health condition.

It was known before that we can lower our chances to suffer from a stroke by simple adding more of fresh fruits and vegetables to our daily diet. Most of those natural healthy foods contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are reported to give veggies and fruits their amazing vibrant colors. Flavonoids have excellent natural anti-inflammatory properties and can assist us in lowering the risks of suffering from various infections. Besides, it was found out that these natural compounds can strengthen our vessels and improve the function of circulatory system in general, this way lowering stroke risks in women and men. It is estimated that there are about 5 thousand types of flavonoids can be found in fresh veggies and fruits.

This time, the research was focused on flavonoids in citrus fruits, known also as flavanones. A group of scientists at Boston’s Harvard Medical School teamed up withe the experts from Norwich Medical School in the United Kingdom and analyzed the impact of 5 most common flavanones in citrus fruits. The researchers analyzed the information on about 70,000 British women which was collected for as much as 14 years. It was found out that high intake of flavonones in women is associated with up to 19% lower risks of developing a blood-clot-related stroke.

Kathryn M. Rexrode, MD, a study leader and an expert at Boston’s Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital commented on the findings of her colleagues as the following: “Our study supports the conclusion that flavanones are associated with a modest reduction in stroke risk.” According to the expert, by adding to our daily diet some freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and oranges, we can avoid this cardiovascular problem. The report about this study on the effects of citrus fruit consumption on the stroke risks in women is going to be published in April 2012, in one of the issues of the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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