Orange Oil: Cholesterol Fighter?

Oil from orange peels contains compounds that lower blood levels of the "bad" LDL and VLDL cholesterols, studies with laboratory hamsters have revealed.

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Canada's KGK Synergize found the cholesterol-fighting effect in tests of peel-based natural chemicals called polymethoxylated flavones, or PMFs.

Hamster feed containing one percent PMFs lowered the animals' blood LDL and VLDL levels by 30 to 40 percent, the scientists report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (volume 52, pages 2879 to 2886). Followup studies will determine whether PMFs have the same effect in humans and, if so, may lead to a profitable new use of juice-processing leftovers.

Source:
U.S. Department of Agriculture