The unexpected property of tangerines caught scientists by surprise

New research has revealed an unusual effect of citrus fruits that could change the approach to disease prevention.

A team of scientists from the University of Tokyo discovered that mandarins contain a unique substance capable of slowing down cell aging and reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. This effect turned out to be stronger than the researchers had anticipated.

In the peel and pulp of mandarins, flavonoid nobiletin was identified, which:

✔ Activates genes responsible for longevity;

✔ Reduces inflammation in the brain;

✔ Protects neurons from damage.

Previously, it was believed that the main benefit of mandarins was vitamin C, but it turned out that their antioxidant effect is much more powerful thanks to this rare compound.

Until now, nobiletin has been studied mainly in test tubes, but new experiments on mice have shown:

Rodents that received mandarin extract had improved memory;

The accumulation of toxic proteins associated with dementia decreased in their brains.

Scientists admit: the effect was so pronounced that they rechecked the data several times. Clinical trials on humans are now being planned.

Eat mandarins whole (the peel contains more nobiletin, but it's bitter - you can make candied peel or add it to tea).

Choose ripe fruits - they have a higher concentration of beneficial substances.