Flavanones

Why You Need It

• Heart Health Guardian: Helps keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
• Circulation Booster: Supports the flexibility of your arteries, allowing blood to flow freely.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Calms systemic inflammation, which is the root cause of many chronic diseases.
• Allergy Helper: Early research suggests they may help stabilize cells that trigger allergic reactions.

Deep Dive

Flavanones (specifically hesperidin, naringin, and eriodictyol) are concentrated almost exclusively in citrus peels and pulp. Unlike other antioxidants that just scavenge free radicals, flavanones have a unique relationship with your vascular system. They help your body produce nitric oxide, a gas that signals your blood vessels to relax and widen. This process, called vasodilation, improves blood flow and reduces the strain on your heart. They also work synergistically with Vitamin C, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of your blood.

Natural Food Sources

Because flavanones are located in the peel and the white pith (albedo) of citrus fruits, eating the whole fruit is better than just drinking the juice. Juicing often removes the fiber and the highest concentration of these compounds.

Supplementation

If you dislike citrus or have a specific vascular condition (like chronic venous insufficiency), supplements are available. Look for "Citrus Bioflavonoids" or specific isolates like "Hesperidin" or "Naringin". Standard dosages in studies range from 250mg to 500mg daily.