Could Citrus Stop Cancer in Its Tracks?

Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, are gaining attention for impressive health benefits, especially in the fight against cancer, thanks to a compound called hesperidin. Hesperidin is a natural compound found in most citrus, including grapefruit and tangerines. It can also be found in concentrated amounts in dried peppermint.

Research suggests that hesperidin targets several processes in the body to combat several forms of cancer including prostate, ovarian, skin, colon and breast.  First, it can make cancer cells destroy themselves, kind of like a self-destruct button.  This is known as apoptosis. It can also stop new blood vessels from forming around tumors, which helps slow down their growth. Interestingly, studies show that hesperidin can prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body while also having the capability to repair damaged DNA in cancer cells.  All of these things make citrus fruits and the hesperidin they contain, really important for cancer treatment and prevention. 

Although hesperidin isn’t easily absorbed by the body, scientists are exploring ways to improve its effectiveness, such as creating new formulations or combining it with other substances.

Here are a few ways to get hesperidin into your diet naturally: 

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon-Ginger Spring Vegetable Sir Fry

White Fish with Banana Salsa

Published January 1, 2025