by Kelley Herring
Researchers may have found a safe, natural and a-peeling alternative to cholesterol-lowering drugs.
A class of compounds found in citrus fruit peels called polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) have the potential to lower cholesterol more effectively than some prescription drugs, and without side effects.
This study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, examined the effects of PMFs on animals with diet-induced high cholesterol. When these animals were given the same diet plus 1% PMFs, their blood levels of total cholesterol, VLDL and LDL (bad cholesterol) were reduced by 19-27% and 32-40% respectively.
To get the benefits, grate the peel from a well-scrubbed organic orange or lemon and add a tablespoon or so to your favorite tea, salad dressing, yogurt or recipes. You’ll do your heart (and tastebuds!) a favor.