Hesperidin: Uses & Health Benefits
Updated Apr. 03rd, 2024 | Read Time: 3 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Key Health Benefits of Hesperidin
- Antioxidant Properties For Brain and Liver Health
- Circulation and Cardiovascular Health Benefits of Hesperidin
- Glucosyl Hesperidin – Protecting Against Arteriosclerosis
- Menopause Benefits of Hesperidin
- Healthy Cell Production
- Hesperidin Supplement Varieties
Hesperidin is one of the major constituents found abundantly in citrus fruits. It is a bioflavonoid that is believed to play a beneficial role in several different body systems. Supplementation with hesperidin has been shown to have many benefits for overall health, let's explore.
Key Health Benefits of Hesperidin
Antioxidant Properties For Brain and Liver Health
This is an antioxidant that can help to protect the body against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that are extremely reactive, and damage surrounding cell membranes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. We encounter free radicals through environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, processed foods, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun (UV rays).
The antioxidant properties of hesperidin have been found to especially protect neurons in the body against oxidative damage. Protecting neurons allows this nutrient to help protect the brain cells and to maintain healthy mental functioning. The potent antioxidant ability provided by hesperidin also allows it to protect the liver against damage caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants.
Circulation and Cardiovascular Health Benefits of Hesperidin
One study found that people with extreme cold sensitivity can be treated with oral supplementation. It was found that this bioflavonoid promoted dilation of the blood vessels along the exterior of the body, allowing for a better circulation of heat. Another study found that this nutrient promotes the production of nitric oxide (NO), a substance that has been shown to relax the blood vessels. Dilation of the blood vessels can help to reduce blood pressure. When combined with diosmin, hesperidin is commonly used to treat hemorrhoids and leg ulcers. It has been found to reduce the inflammatory response in chronic venous insufficiency.
Glucosyl Hesperidin – Protecting Against Arteriosclerosis
A particular sub-type called glucosyl hesperidin has been shown to lower triglyceride levels in people with excessively high levels in their blood. It has also been shown to slightly lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in those with imbalanced cholesterol levels. Both of these can help to reduce the risk of developing arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Menopause Benefits of Hesperidin
Many healthcare practitioners use hesperidin to help with the symptoms of menopause. When combined with vitamin C, this supplement has been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. It has also been found to have a gentle sedative action, which can help to relieve the mental-emotional symptoms of menopause, particularly anxiety. One study found that using this supplement also reduces the amount of bone density loss during aging, thus potentially helping to prevent osteoporosis.
Healthy Cell Production
In recent research, a metabolite of hesperidin called hesperetin has been shown to prevent abnormal cell growth and also to prevent hormone production. This may also be how it reduces menopausal symptoms, although that hasn’t yet been established.
Hesperidin Supplement Varieties
Hesperidin is often found in combination with other nutrients for specific functions. It can be found in formulas for detox, circulation, cardiovascular and menopause. It is often combined with vitamin C and diosmin.
For the treatment of hemorrhoids, 150mg (with 1350mg of diosmin) twice daily for four days, followed by 100mg of hesperidin (with 900mg of diosmin) twice daily for three days. Maintenance treatment for hemorrhoids is 50mg (with 450mg diosmin) twice daily for 3 months.
To treat leg ulcers caused by poor blood circulation, the dose is 100mg of hesperidin (with 900mg diosmin) daily for up to 2 months.
For other treatment approaches, follow the recommended dosage provided by the manufacturer.