Citrus fruit contains a number of flavonoids that may be beneficial to the health. The flavonoids in citrus fruit belong mainly to the flavanone sub-group. The flavonoids are particularly concentrated in the skin of the fruits where they act to protect the fruit from the damaging effects of oxygen and ultraviolet radiation. Citrus fruits that are common in the diet that contain high amounts of flavonoids include lemon, lime, sweet orange, sour orange, mandarins and grapefruit. Citrus flavonoids have been researched for their ability to improve gut health in humans and animals. In particular, citrus flavonoids may be able to modulate intestinal barrier function, protect the mucus layer of the intestine, regulate the intestinal immune system, reduce oxidative stress to the intestine and improve the profile of the microbiome inhabiting the gut. Therefore, including a range of citrus fruits in the diet may significantly improve the health of the gut and this may translate into significant improvements in general health.
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