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What Antioxidants Are in Citrus Fruits?

Antioxidants are naturally-occurring molecules or nutrients found in many foods that boost your immune system, making your body resistant to many diseases. Antioxidants work by slowing down or preventing the effects of free radicals -- molecules our bodies produce when breaking down food. Damage from free radicals has been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Citrus fruits provide health benefits beyond supplying us with vitamins; they are loaded with antioxidants that help reverse the effects of oxidative damage caused by free radicals, leading to longer and healthier lives.

  1. Vitamin C

    • Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps produce collagen for healthy blood vessels and strong bones, aids the body in absorbing iron and contributes to quick healing. Vitamin C has been proven effective in treating the common cold, reducing its duration and intensity. Studies show Vitamin C helps prevent heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C is found in oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits.

    Flavonoids

    • Flavonoids are a group of antioxidants with similar health benefits -- studies show they are effective in the prevention of certain types of cancer and heart disease. In addition, flavonoids have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties and are a natural source of fiber, making them crucial components of a healthy diet. Flavonoids are found in abundance in all citrus fruits.

    Lycopene

    • Lycopene is an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce heart disease and some forms of cancer. It is a carotenoid, a natural pigment in fruits and vegetables that gives them their red, orange or yellow color. Lycopene's role in preventing prostate cancer is particularly compelling - studies suggest a diet rich in lycopene leads to a substantial reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer among men. Pink and red grapefruit are an excellent source of lycopene.

    Additional Antioxidants

    • Two other antioxidants that are members of the carotenoid family are beta-carotene and lutein. In addition to its cancer and cardiovascular disease fighting properties, beta-carotene is useful in treating symptoms that occur with asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis and a number of skin conditions. Lutein is helpful in preventing cataracts and reducing instances of macular degeneration or failing eyesight. While other fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of these antioxidants, small amounts are also found in citrus fruits.

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