According to a recent article in Japan's Asahi Shimbun, a public survey released by the National Institute of Fruit Tree Science indicates that eating more citrus fruits can prevent liver disease and arteriosclerosis.
Experts from the institute pointed out that citrus fruits are rich in carotenoids, and the survey found that the higher the concentration of carotenoids in a person's blood, the more normal their liver function is, and the lower the risk of developing arteriosclerosis.
In Japan, it is very common for men to drink alcohol, and it is well known that excessive drinking can cause alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, and cirrhosis. Therefore, the experts specifically investigated men who consumed 25 grams of ethanol per day (equivalent to more than 640 ml of beer). The results showed that men who ate less than one citrus fruit per day had nearly twice the risk of developing alcoholic liver disease compared to those who ate three to four citrus fruits daily. Experts believe this is mainly because patients with viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis have reduced antioxidant capacity in their serum, while the abundant carotenoids and vitamins in citrus can enhance this antioxidant capacity, which is beneficial for liver protection.
In addition, experts noted that arteriosclerosis worsens with age, and lifestyle habits such as diet, smoking, and drinking can affect it. High blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity can also become major causes of arteriosclerosis. This survey found that people with high serum carotenoid levels had a 2-3 times lower risk of developing arteriosclerosis compared to those with low levels. This proves that eating more citrus fruits and consuming a large amount of carotenoids can help prevent arteriosclerosis.