- The interactions between the gut microbiome and overall health have been the subject of research for several years.
- Previous studies show that a healthy gut microbiome and certain foods are linked to better cardiovascular health.
- Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that an orange peel extract may help improve the heart health of male mice.
In recent years, with much research focused on the interactions between the body’s gut microbiome and overall health, the adage “you are what you eat” certainly rings true.
When it comes to heart health, previous research links a healthy gut microbiome to
Previous studies also correlate the consumption of certain foods, including blueberries,
Now, a new study recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry discovered that an orange peel extract can help improve cardiovascular health.
For this study, the researchers focused on an organic compound called
“We know from previous research that certain gut bacteria feed on certain nutrients during digestion and that they produce chemicals – TMAO – that may help predict future cardiovascular disease,” Yu Wang, PhD, associate professor – food sciences at UF/IFAS Citrus Research. And the Education Center at the University of Florida and lead author of this study explained to Medical news today.
Previous studies have linked TMAO to an increased risk of heart diseases such as
To help reduce the amount of TMAO created in the gut microbiome, Wang and his team turned to orange peels.
“In orange peel extracts, we found certain chemicals that can inhibit the production of chemicals that can harm your cardiovascular system,” Wang said.
“Almost all Florida oranges are used to make orange juice. Most orange peels that are a byproduct of the juice-making process are wasted. Part of the peels is used to feed livestock. So we wanted to know if there was anything useful in these orange peels. We found that their extract can improve your heart health,” he detailed.
While oranges are best known for being an excellent source of
Scientists developed and tested two types of orange peel extracts: one with a polar fraction and the other with a non-polar fraction.
“If you imagine your salad dressing, whatever is in the water or vinegar part makes up the polar fraction; anything in the oil away from water makes up the nonpolar fraction,” Wang explained. “The solvents we used didn’t look exactly like water and oil, but they have a similar polarity.”
During the study, researchers found that the non-polar fraction of orange peel extract was able to stop the production of TMAO in 10 male mice.
Scientists have also identified a compound called
“We knew the nonpolar fraction could work from previous studies, but we didn’t know the polar fraction could work because no relevant reports had been published before,” Wang said.
Do other citrus foods have the same effect?
“We are working to test whether these health-promoting compounds in orange peel could be identified in citrus fruits and juices, as well as determining how to increase these good compounds in our citrus products.”
—Yu Wang, PhD
After reviewing this research, Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, said: MNT This study highlights how much remains to be understood about how our gut microbiome processes food to produce compounds and products that could have an effect on human health.
“We are learning more and more about the significant interaction between the foods we eat and our inherent gut microbiome, and the microbiome is increasingly understood to play a major role in human health, including cardiovascular health” , continued Chen.
“There are significant opportunities to improve heart health by understanding the interaction between the microbiome and food, as this could lead, firstly, to a better understanding of which foods could most improve cardiovascular health and, secondly, could lead to therapeutic progress. Based on these results, it could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,” he said.
MNT also spoke with Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, who said this study also provides additional support for the plethora of benefits we have learned from the incorporation of more fruit. and vegetables in the diet.
“Citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamin C and (and) potassium, as well as other B vitamins like folate but, as the study illustrates, compounds specific to the skin, pulp and The fruit itself offers beneficial properties in gut health, which can in turn support heart health,” explained Richard.
“Oranges and orange peel also provide fiber which is a prebiotic – a food source for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. As these microbes interact and produce metabolites, they nourish the rest of the body’s systems with beneficial results, but also help remove less-than-beneficial compounds and wastes such as TMAO, cholesterol, and pathogens.
—Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN
Richard cautioned that orange peel extract and orange juice may have a major interaction with commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications such as statins, as well as possibly interacting with antibiotics, antiparasitics and beta-blockers.
“Orange peels also tend to be bitter, have a high concentration of pesticide residue, and are not easy to digest or enjoy on their own—they can cause bloating, cramping, and gastrointestinal distress ” she said.
“I encourage readers to incorporate organic, carefully washed orange peels into their cooking – soups, granola, sauces, smoothies (and) desserts, added to their favorite teas, or even as a sensory treat by simmering spices or potpourri on the stove or as aromatherapy in a bath, massage and skin care,” she said.
“Adding a variety of citrus fruits – with their pulp where possible – to your daily diet of colorful food groups will promote gut and heart health, bring vibrant smells and awaken your senses and taste buds while quietly promoting health and vitality. Hurry up the day and don’t forget the beneficial peels!
—Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN