Hesperidin is a type of citrus bioflavnoid, which contains antioxidant, antibacterial, antivirial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Bioflavnoids are also known as vitamin P, which function synergestically along side Vitamin C, an essential nutrient to human health. Together, they assist in maintaining the health of capillaries, forming collagen in connective tissues, healing wounds, and supporting the immune system. Please note that hesperidin can only function properly in the presence of Vitamin C. It would be useless to take hesperidin supplements without a sufficient supply of Vitamin C present in you body.
Defiencies in hesperidin can cause many medical problems in a fairly predictive manner. Patients are subjected to a greater risk of vascular degeneration, bruising, capillary fragility, nose bleeds, hemorrhoids, aneruism and other related blood vessel breakdown and malfunction. Hesperidin also maintinas the health of collagens and prevent the wrinkling and sagging of skins.
Bioflavnoids are the most abundant group of polyphenols found in plants. Hesperidin exist in high concentrations in the peels and membranes of many plants. For this reason, orange juice with pulp contains more bioflavnoids than juice without pulp. Lemons and peppers, sweet oranges, and tangelos are all examples of rich dietary sources of hesperidin.
Unlike Vitamin C, hesperidin is not considered an essential nutrient and hence, there is no recommended allowance set. A safe dosage is usually deemed to be between 10 – 100mgs per day. Hesperidin, when taken in high dosages, should be used with caution. It is not suitable for individuals hypersentitive to hesperidin or its components. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult a phycisian for information on recommended dosage. Some side effects include gastrointestinal problems and nausea.
References:*(1) http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Nutritional-Benefits-of-Hesperidin&id=390974 (2) http://www.acu-cell.com/bio.html
