Among these phenolic compounds we can mention flavonoids, coumarins and phenolic acids, all capable of reducing the risk of infectious and degenerative diseases.
The protective potential of citrus fruit peels is greater than one might imagine. In the world of cardiovascular diseases, compounds present in the peels can have an important effect against the formation of fatty plaques inside blood vessels, protecting us from problems such as heart attack and stroke.
Furthermore, epidemiological studies show that the consumption of critical fruits in their entirety, including the peels, can reduce the risk of cancer by more than 20%..
One of the most feared aspects related to cancer is the risk of metastases. Cancer usually occupies an organ that we call the primary site and, when not diagnosed and treated early, it can spread, taking root in more distant organs. These roots are the metastases.
Primary cancer produces proteins called metalloproteinases, which facilitate the spread of the disease to other organs. Many studies indicate that flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin are capable of inhibiting the synthesis of these proteins and promoting an antimetastatic effect.
We cannot forget that, on continents such as Latin America and Africa, there are numerous records of mortality among children and adults, as a result of diarrhea and infections associated with precarious sewage infrastructure and housing. When researchers demonstrate that fruit peels have significant antibacterial properties and can regulate intestinal flora, we see that we have an important natural and cheap ally to prevent so many cases of death.
