Types of citrus

There are many types of citrus fruits, and the taste of each type of citrus fruit is somewhat different. However, when in season, no matter which type of citrus fruit it is, the taste is very sweet, and the nutritional value is also relatively similar. They mainly contain carotene, fructose, etc. These nutrients will make the nutrition in people's bodies more balanced after ingestion, and malnutrition will not occur.

More than 30 kinds of human health care substances contained in citrus fruits have been isolated, including: flavonoids, monoterpenes, coumarins, carotenoids, propanols, acridones, glycerol glycolipids, etc.

There are three types of flavonoids in citrus fruits: Type I is general flavonoids represented by rutin; Type II is flavanones unique to citrus fruits such as hesperidin and naringin; Type III is special flavonoids containing polymethoxy groups, such as citrus flavonoids, which have not been discovered in other fruits and vegetables but only in citrus fruits.

Carotenoids As we all know, many vegetables and fruits contain carotenoids, which are ingredients that play an important role in human health. Through research on the physiological functions and mechanisms of carotenoids, my country has also used these substances to develop some health foods and achieved industrial production. Coumarin Coumarin contained in citrus fruits is an anti-cancer substance that has been fully recognized by scientists. The results of the study indicate that there are two main pathways for the anti-cancer function of coumarin: first, coumarin detoxifies carcinogens through the action of detoxifying enzymes; second, it antagonizes carcinogens and inhibits their metabolic activation. These two aspects of action mainly produce an inhibitory effect in the initial stages of cancer.

Monoterpenes and triterpenes Citrus contains a large amount of terpenoid compounds represented by (R)-limonene. Terpenes are substances that make up the unique aroma of citrus fruits. They have a calming effect on the human central nervous system. Studies have also confirmed that they have the effect of reducing stress and can help people eliminate fatigue. Limonin Limonin is the bitter component of citrus juice drinks, and its content in citrus fruits is about 100-200ppm. However, studies have found that limonin also has the function of inhibiting tumors.