French scientists have determined that the use of turmeric benefits to the health of the heart and blood vessels at the genetic level.

Researchers studied genes that respond to the effects of curcumin and hesperidin, an antioxidant from orange juice. The experiments were performed on laboratory mice. It turned out that curcumin, like other antioxidants, prevents the formation of sclerotic plaques and blockage of blood vessels. It was found that the use of turmeric in food for 16 weeks reduced by 26% the amount of fat in the arteries of rodents.

The researchers then conducted a study involving 24 men with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. They drank 500 milliliters of juice containing 292 milligrams of hesperidin or 500 milliliters of energy drink with and without substance, thus making up three groups.

It was found that hesperidin in juice or as an additive stabilized blood pressure and improved the state of the endothelium. Genetic experiments showed that hesperidin influenced the activity of 1820 genes of leukocytes.

Despite the obvious usefulness of these substances, scientists warn that in large doses they can harm a person. Nutritional supplements attract people, but their properties often remain largely unexplored.

Medicinform. Net.