Improving bone health during menopause with Bonolive®
Improving bone health during menopause with Bonolive®
Last updated: May 31st, 2024
The menopause transition is a critical period for bone health in women. More than ever, to address this key health concern, consumers are shifting away from calcium-only products and seeking out more complex formulas with clinically-backed ingredients.
Bonolive® is a patented ingredient rich in olive polyphenols that offers the possibility of formulating innovative bone health solutions tailored to women to counteract bone loss risk associated with menopause.
What happens to bone health during menopause transition?
Healthy bones are needed to support our body, providing structure, and allowing us to move and protect our organs. They also store essential minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, and release them into the blood whenever needed.
Bone health depends on a dynamic equilibrium between the constant production of the new bone matrix via osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone synthesis, and the resorption of old bone by osteoclast, the cells responsible for bone breakdown.
There are a lot of symptoms related to menopause, but did you know that the menopause transition is the most critical period for bone health in women? That is because the fine equilibrium between bone breakdown and synthesis is broken due to hormonal changes.
The onset of the rapid bone loss phase is due to the drastic drop in estrogen levels, which play an important role in maintaining bone strength. This can result in bone resorption exceeding bone formation, leading to thin, fragile bones subject to spontaneous fracture.
Rapid losses in bone mass and strength usually occur in the 3-year window since the date of the final menstrual period [1].
Decreased levels of estrogen cause osteoprotegerin levels to decline. Osteoprotegerin is a protein secreted by osteoblasts, which antagonises the process of bone breakdown mediated by osteoclasts.
Therefore, with the lowered estrogen levels associated with menopausal changes, osteoclast activity increases leading to decreased bone mass and, in many cases, osteoporosis. This results in reduced bone strength and increased risk of fractures.
Although it is essential to build strong and healthy bones during the early stages of our lives, there are also important factors to take care of during adulthood, particularly during menopause, such as sufficient physical activity, proper nutrition and supplementation.
How is bone health managed traditionally?
With the world population getting older, bone health issues are increasing. In postmenopausal women, the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia is estimated to be almost 20% and 52%, respectively [2].
Bone health is indeed a key concern for this vulnerable group. This reflects that 25% of women who use dietary supplements are already consuming products to support their bones and different ingredients can be consumed to support bone health.
Over the last decade, exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplements have been the most used measure for preventing bone loss during menopause.
It is known that a sufficient calcium intake increases bone density and vitamin D is crucial for bone health because it plays a crucial role in calcium absorption [3].
While this strategy has proven marginal improvements, consumers are becoming more demanding. In fact, the popularity of innovative, nutraceuticals with a clinical backup addressing bone health is growing [4].
Scientific evidence has shown that bone physiology can be modulated by phenolic compounds found in olives [5].
These powerful antioxidant compounds can indeed stimulate markers involved in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. This ultimately leads to a counteracting effect against bone loss risk.
What is Bonolive® and how does it support healthy bones?
Bonolive® is a patented, olive-polyphenol-based ingredient researched and developed by Solabia Nutrition (previously known as BioActor), with demonstrated efficacy in increasing bone formation in postmenopausal women.
Bonolive® is standardised for highly bioavailable oleuropein, the powerful phytonutrient deemed responsible for the increase in the number and activity of osteoblasts observed during Solabia Nutrition’s research.
The randomised, double-blind clinical trial demonstrated that an intake of 250mg/day of Bonolive® is sufficient to re-balance the bone turnover [6].
Additionally, after 12 months, a 32% increase in osteocalcin was observed in the treatment group, compared to a 6% decrease in the placebo group.
Osteocalcin is a key component for building new bone, as it forms the scaffold for new bone tissue and binds calcium within a rigid structure.
The increase in osteocalcin is also reflected by the DEXA scan results, which show that subjects taking Bonolive®, displayed protection of bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and a higher gain of bone mineral density at the femur neck, compared to those taking placebo.
What are the opportunities for new product development with Bonolive®?
As consumers are shifting away from calcium-only products and seek out more complex formulas with clinically-backed ingredients, Bonolive® offers the possibility of developing innovative consumer products specifically crafted to help women support healthy bones during menopause.
For a synergistic effect, Bonolive® can be successfully combined with calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, as well as other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts.
This Mediterranean-inspired ingredient can be easily included in various dietary supplements, functional drinks and foods, with a daily dose of only 250mg.
Apart from innovative blends, further product development opportunities in this growing market lie in convenient formats like gummies and ready-to-drink beverages.
What are the benefits of hormone-free products?
What are the benefits of hormone-free supplements?
What Are Hormone-Free Supplements?
Hormone-free supplements are products that do not contain any synthetic or natural hormones. Unlike some supplements that include hormones like testosterone, estrogen, or HGH (human growth hormone), hormone-free supplements rely on vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids, and other natural compounds to support the body’s functions.
Key Benefits
- Reduced Risk of Side Effects. Hormone-based supplements can lead to a range of side effects, including hormonal imbalances, mood swings, and even severe health issues. Hormone-free supplements eliminate these risks, providing a safer alternative for those looking to enhance their health and wellness (1). This is specifically popular among postmenopausal women (2).
- Natural Support for Body Functions. Hormone-free supplements often contain natural ingredients that support the body’s own hormone production and balance. For instance, adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help the body manage stress and maintain hormonal equilibrium naturally. This holistic approach ensures that the body’s systems work synergistically without external hormonal interference.
- Enhanced Safety and Regulation. Supplements free from hormones are generally subject to fewer regulatory concerns compared to their hormone-containing counterparts. This often results in higher safety standards and fewer risks associated with their consumption. Consumers can feel more confident in the purity and safety of hormone-free products.
- Broad Accessibility. Hormone-free supplements are suitable for a wider audience, including individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, pregnant, breastfeeding or menopausal women, and those who prefer to avoid any potential hormonal interference due to personal or medical reasons. This inclusivity ensures that more people can benefit from supplements without adverse effects.
- Support for Long-Term Health Goals. Because hormone-free supplements focus on natural ingredients, they are better suited for long-term use. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, improve your cognitive function, or enhance your physical performance, these supplements provide sustainable support without the need for cycling or discontinuation due to side effects.
Conclusion
Hormone-free supplements offer a compelling alternative for anyone looking to improve their health and wellness safely and naturally. By reducing the risk of side effects, supporting the body’s natural functions, adhering to high safety standards, and being accessible to a broad audience, these supplements stand out as a superior choice. As the demand for natural health solutions continues to grow, hormone-free supplements are likely to become even more popular, helping individuals achieve their health goals without compromising their well-being.
Meet us - Nutriform Business Days 2024
Meet us at Nutriform Business Days 2024
Our team is looking forward to attending Nutriform Business Days again this year!
We are pleased to visit the Nutriform Business Days from 18th till 20th June 2024 in France. Let’s meet and explore our range of premium health ingredients. Book a meeting below:
Book a meeting!
If you are in search for the perfect ingredient to finish your product formula, our booth is the right place to stop by. Our ingredients are extracted via clean production processes from specific raw materials. We introduce a few examples here:
- AstaPure® contains natural astaxanthin for cellular health. This powerful anti-oxidant is a great fit for an anti-aging product formula.
- AlgaSense®, a whole powder from micro algae, is the perfect fit for products targeting stress management, relaxation and mental health.
- Our award-winning Bonolive® is 100% natural extract from freshly pruned olive leafs, targeting women’s health and more specifically women in menopause. Bonolive® is fully backed-up by science and is the winner of the Innovation in Women’s Health Award by NutraIngredients!
- Brainberry® is our well-known aronia extract for brain fitness. As a true winner of the Nootropics Ingredients Idol award in 2023, Brainberry® is clinically-validated to boost focus, memory and eye-hand coordination.
- WATTS’UP® is a citrus extract with high bioavailability of Hesperidin. Clinical data showcases the benefits of WATTS’UP® for endurance and strength.
Brainberry® – A promising ingredient for gaming supplements
Brainberry® – A promising ingredient for gaming supplements
Last updated: May 17th, 2024
Brainberry® is an Aronia melanocarpa extract that provides an innovative and natural way to boost gaming performance in a safe and effective way. If you plan to get rid of typical sugar- and stimulant-loaded supplements and energy drinks, Brainberry® may be the healthier alternative you are looking for. Thanks to its high content in functional anthocyanins, it promises to enhance gamers’ experience by providing sustained crash-free energy, as well as clinically proven brain benefits. Read more about why this ingredient is important for your gaming supplement!
Why are supplements relevant for gaming?
Gaming has grown exponentially over the last few years, not only in amateur gamers but also in professional ones– eSports.
If you are a gamer, you may have already noticed that gaming requires an incredible number of mental skills. Indeed, gaming is continuous and with very few breaks. Therefore, you need to manage a high cognitive workload, especially if your session lasts for an extended period of time.
Moreover, the visual-spatial skills are essential. These abilities allow you to analyse, recognize and rapidly respond to changes on the screen. In addition, as gaming sessions can last for hours, enhanced attention and focus are crucial. You need to have the skills to stay focused and alert, without getting sleepy and distracted.
Lastly, when gaming, it is important that you manage emotions, such as anger, anxiety and stress, as these can negatively impact your performance.
Even though nutrition has been often overlooked by most gamers, the supplement industry for this segment is growing exponentially, showing that more and more attention is being paid to this important aspect.
Over the last year, several brands have launched gaming formulas on the market and supplement use is continuously increasing amongst gamers looking to up their gaming performance. There is a wide range of products tailored to gamers, ranging from powders to capsules, functional drinks and even gummies.
Whether you are a competitive gamer or not, taking care of your body and mind through proper nutrition, supplements, and rest can yield the best results.
The main problem with most gaming supplements and energy drinks
Supplements have the potential to enhance your cognitive performance when gaming. As mentioned, together with the increased number of gamers, gaming supplement and energy drink interest and consumption have significantly grown in the last years.
However, many of these products contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar. High intakes of these two compounds are generally associated with negative health effects.
After a high caffeine intake, you may experience tachycardia, jitters, headaches or disrupted sleep [1, 2, 3]. In fact, excessive caffeine consumption can negatively impact brain performance. On top of this, high caffeine consumption during the teenage years is associated with an increased risk of suffering from anxiety disorders in adulthood [4].
On the other hand, a high sugar intake may lead to unhealthy weight gain and dental caries, both undesired health effects. Moreover, high sugar spikes in the blood are often followed by an energy crash, which is not ideal when you need to be focused.
If you plan to get rid of typical sugar- and stimulant-loaded supplements and energy drinks, Brainberry® may be the healthier alternative you are looking for.
What is Brainberry®?
Brainberry® is an Aronia melanocarpa extract, standardized for high levels of the anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-galactoside. This ingredient is clinically validated to improve focus and psychomotor control.
The consumption of anthocyanins has been associated with improved cognition skills, such as memory, attention and psychomotor speed [5, 6, 7].
The active cyanidins present in Aronia berry extract in the form of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside can cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to brain perfusion.
In the hippocampus, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside lowers acetylcholine esterase activity, which increases acetylcholine, resulting in neuronal signalling. This leads to faster and more accurate reactions due to improved visual processing speed and psychomotor control.
In addition, Brainberry® is water-soluble, easy to formulate and has a pleasant taste. Its possible applications include liquid forms (e.g. ready-to-drink formulas), chewable tablets, gummies, effervescent tablets, stick packs and capsules.
What makes Brainberry® an ideal ingredient for gaming supplements?
Brainberry® is the ideal ingredient for gaming supplements for several reasons:
• 100% natural. It is extracted from high-quality Aronia berries from the Baltics resulting in a completely natural ingredient.
• Clinically proven. It has been validated in 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
• Increased visual processing speed. Its hero compound, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, significantly improves psychomotor control, enhancing eye-hand coordination.
• Tested in gamers. It has been successfully tested in a consumer study with active gamers.
• Low dosage and stimulant-free. The recommended daily dose is 65 mg. It does not contain stimulants, which are usually accompanied by undesired side effects. This makes it a healthier option compared to other solutions with high stimulants.
• High bioavailability. The bioavailability of the active compound in Brainberry®, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, has been evaluated and demonstrated rapid absorption [8].
• Easy to formulate. Thanks to its excellent solubility and pleasant taste, it can be included it in a wide range of forms (e.g. drinks, gummies, capsules…).
Research with Brainberry®
Double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Brainberry® has been investigated in the first-ever study to link Aronia berry extract to improved cognitive performance. A 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study that included 101 subjects linked Aronia berry extract (Brainberry®) to a significant increase in psychomotor speed, eye-hand coordination, and focus.
After only 6 weeks of supplementation with 65 mg of Brainberry® daily, a significant improvement in psychomotor speed was observed, with even a further increase for the rest of the trial (12 weeks).
After 12 weeks, concentration was increased by 43% in the group supplemented with 65 mg of Brainberry® [9].
Short-term improvements due to Brainberry®
More recently, a new clinical study has been released investigating the short-term effects of Brainberry® on psychomotor speed and BDNF concentration [10].
Participants in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in reaction time compared to the control group.
Moreover, serum BDNF concentrations were significantly higher with 5.7% in the intervention group after 1-week Brainberry® intake (p<0.05). BDNF is a protein responsible for neuronal survival and growth, essential for learning and memory [11] and highly relevant for the purpose of this research. Its increase showcases Brainberry®’s potential to support young adults in their daily activities such as learning and working.
Consumer study with active gamers
Additionally, a consumer study was conducted on active gamers using Brainberry®. 21 healthy young recreational gamers consumed 65 mg of Brainberry® daily for 7 days.
After just one dose of Brainberry®, participants successfully reported a significant improvement in the most relevant measures for gaming performance, such as eye-hand coordination, focus, reaction time and energy.
As gamers need fast-acting noticeable effects, the significant improvements in eye-hand coordination, focus, energy and reaction after a single dose, confirmed the effectiveness of Brainberry®.
What’s perhaps even more important, is that these improvements were sustained after one week of supplementation.
As mentioned before, mood is also key during a gaming session. In fact, not being able to deal with difficult emotions (i.e. anger, stress, anxiety) that are likely to arise while competing, negatively impacts performance. Interestingly, the participants in the study reported an improvement in mood parameters after one week of supplementation with Brainberry®.
Another important outcome to point out is that supplementation with Brainberry® did not have any negative effects on fatigue, sleep quality and anxiety levels. It is well-known that these types of complaints are frequently reported by subjects (often gamers) who consume large quantities of sugar- and stimulant-loaded energy drinks.
The bottom line
Brainberry® is an Aronia melanocarpa extract that provides an innovative and healthy solution to boost gaming performance in a natural and safe way. Thanks to its high content in functional anthocyanins, it promises to enhance gamers’ experience by providing sustained, crash-free energy and clinically proven brain benefits.
Brainberry® is the perfect alternative to supplements and energy drinks that are high in sugar and caffeine. It allows limiting these compounds in your diet while offering sustained crash-free energy, as well as clinically proven brain benefits.
Are there any new strategies for weight management?
Are there any new strategies for weight management?
For many different reasons, almost everyone has been concerned about their weight. Nowadays, we all want to find new effective approaches to control our weight in a healthy, sustainable, and easy manner. Could arabinoxylans be the answer we have been looking for?
How relevant is weight management?
Weight is a common worry for a large part of society. Whether it is driven by aesthetic preferences or health considerations, almost everyone has thought about losing some weight. Body image and the beauty standard that is established in the Western culture plays an important role and pressures many to lose weight (1).
However, there is a growing number of people interested in improving their health and quality of life: not only they want to be healthy, but they also want to feel healthy (2). As a result, there is a growing interest in holistic solutions that people can seamlessly integrate into their lifestyle without uncomfortable restrictions .
How to lose weight?
While it’s true that weight loss ultimately comes down to burning more calories than you consume, many traditional diets and exercise programs are designed as short-term solutions that are difficult to sustain in the long run. However, new alternatives are emerging. For example:
- Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where the individual restricts all the calories that has to eat in a day to a few hours of eat and fasts for the rest of the day (3). Although some studies have shown this helps control weight, evidence is not strong enough (4). This pattern has to be adapted in the long term for it to work, but it is not manageable to many people.
- A high protein diet can help with weight management as protein digestion delays the hunger sensation. But for a diet to be consider high in protein (5), about 1.2 g/kg of body weight have to be consumed. In a normal diet, people consume less than 0.8 g/kg of body weight a day. Increasing the protein intake and sustaining it over time can be tricky for some people (6). In addition, people with certain health concerns such as kidney issues are not recommended to follow these diets.
A new emerging strategy for weight management
Arabinoxylans are dietary fibres found in the cell walls of plants, such as grains like wheat (7). As many dietary fibres, arabinoxylans are polysaccharides that help with gut health. They act as prebiotics, food components that are not absorbed by the intestine, but rather support digestion and the health of the gut microbiome.
Research shows that arabinoxylans have the ability to regulate the postprandial (after-meal) glucose response (8). By controlling spikes in blood glucose levels, they can help regulate appetite. A more controlled glucose response is associated with a lower appetite, which usually translates in a decrease in calorie intake (9), an essential factor for weight loss and maintenance.
What is the clinical evidence – can arabinoxylans help in weight management?
A recent study (10, 11) with such arabinoxylans – Reducal® suggests that arabinoxylans could be a great ally for weight loss management. Participants who consumed arabinoxylans had a significant decrease in their calorie consumption, meanwhile their self-reported appetite did not decrease.
It is believed that the increase in beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Propionibacterium, led to an increase in production of short-chain fatty acids (SCAFs). Additionally, there was also an increase in acetate, which can have an effect on appetite independently, explaining the study’s results.
Including arabinoxylans in strategies for weight loss could be more approachable for a certain type of consumers that struggle to change their eating habits. This approach would not require a complete change of their routine, adding products enriched with arabinoxylans to their diet could make a significant difference.
Conclusion
Whether it is for health concerns or aesthetic reasons, weight management is in the mind of many people. Our society wants to be and to feel healthy. Weight loss can be difficult to many people and most strategies are not sustainable in the long term. Adding arabinoxylans to the diet has proven to be an innovative and approachable solution that can be adopted by many people.
New clinical study: Brainberry® improves cognitive performance
New clinical study: Short-term use of Brainberry® improves psychomotor speed and increases BDNF concentration
Press release
New clinical data on the effect of Brainberry® for supporting cognitive function was published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Nutrition. The results show a significant improvement in psychomotor speed and a significant increase in BDNF after just 1 week supplementation. This publication covers the second published clinical study with positive results from daily Brainberry® intake.
Brainberry®: an active ingredient from Aronia supporting brain fitness.
Brainberry® is a clinically validated extract of Aronia melanocarpa, standardised for cyanidin galactoside. The extract is made from fresh berries of the Nero Eggert variety from the Baltics. Aronia melanocarpa is one of the richest natural sources of a powerful anthocyanin, cyanidin glycosides. These flavonoids are widely recognized for their antioxidant capacity and protective effects on vascular function. Brainberry® was the first aronia melanocarpa extract clinically tested in an earlier double-blind placebo controlled trial. In that first trial (1), Brainberry® intake resulted in significant improvement in focus and psycho-motor control and an increase in cognitive flexibility. The results of this study are also published in a peer reviewed journal (1).
The study: Short‐term Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation improves cognitive performance: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over study in healthy young adults
Introduction
This peer-reviewed study was published in the prestigious ”European Journal of Nutrition”, impact factor 5.0. Cognitive capacity is a key factor for learning, memorizing, and thinking. These skills usually peak in young adulthood. Typically, the regular consumption of fruits and specifically berries is often recommended to support these functions. The first clinical trial with Brainberry® was performed in mid-aged or elderly individuals. To fill in this gab, the aim of this research was to determine whether Aronia supplementation could improve the main cognitive domains such as memory and psychomotor speed in young individuals.
Methods
Thirty-five young adults took part in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. They were provided with Brainberry® capsules daily for the duration of 1 (one) week. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Cambridge Neurophysiological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) (2), the gold standard for precise and objective measures of specific cognitive processes. Additionally, mechanistic markers such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured at baseline and after one week.
Results
All participants demonstrated excellent compliance with the protocol and tolerance of the product (Brainberry®). Psycho-motor control, defined as the time from release of the response button to selection of the target was significantly improved by 4.8% (figure 1).
Figure 1. The difference in reaction time from baseline to 1 week after. *p<0.05 significant difference between groups; 4.5% decrease in the intervention group.
Moreover, serum BDNF concentrations were significantly higher with 5.7% in the intervention group after 1-week Brainberry® intake (p<0.05). BDNF is a protein responsible for neuronal survival and growth, essential for learning and memory (3) and highly relevant for the purpose of this research. Its increase showcases Brainberry®’s potential to support young adults in their daily activities such as learning and working.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the great potential of Brainberry® in supporting brain fitness for all ages, more specifically psychomotor speed and cognitive performance in young adults. By adding Brainberry® to a nutritional supplement, consumers will benefit from a science-based support for brain functions and neuronal protection.
About Solabia Nutrition
Solabia Nutrition, based in Maastricht, Netherlands is part of the Solabia Group and has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition and healthcare industry. We focus on the development of innovative ingredients from plants and microalgae that address active living and healthy ageing. Our goal is to provide the nutrition and healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to consumers.
Feel free to contact via contact@solabia.com for more information on the possibilities Brainberry® has to offer. Further information can also be found on: https://solabianutrition.com and https://brainberry.eu
Why are immature oranges a sustainable source for citrus extracts?
Why are immature oranges a sustainable source for citrus extracts?
Last updated: May 3rd, 2024
Nature is fascinating and citrus trees are no exception. These fruit-bearing trees, known for their refreshing oranges, have a remarkable way of sustaining themselves through a process of natural selection, which is better known as the fruit drop. In this article, we will explore what immature oranges are, shedding light on their origin, the growth process of orange trees, and the sustainable practices employed by nature itself.
Orange trees grow more oranges than they can sustain
During the summer, an orange tree bursts into a profusion of flowers, each one holding the promise of an orange. However, the tree faces a conundrum. It cannot possibly sustain all the blossoms it produces, as doing so would drain its resources and hinder its overall health. Consequently, the tree must decide on the number of oranges it can support adequately.
This decision is made by looking at which oranges the tree wants to fully grow and dropping the immature oranges that it decides are no longer able to grow.
Why does an orange tree drop immature oranges?
As the oranges begin to develop, the tree undergoes a natural selection process. It assesses its capacity to sustain the growing fruits and makes calculated choices to ensure its long-term well-being.
At this early stage, the tree drops the tiniest, most immature oranges, which are often just a few millimetres in size. This process is called fruit drop [1].
Fruit drop occurs when a fruit tree produces more fruits than it can adequately support to maturity. The tree goes through a natural thinning process in which it sheds a certain number of immature or underdeveloped fruits. This thinning is essential for the tree to allocate its resources efficiently and ensure that the remaining fruits have enough nutrients and energy to reach maturity.
Several factors can contribute to fruit drop. Some of the common reasons include:
1. Limited resources: The tree may not have enough resources, such as water, nutrients, or sunlight, to support the growth of all the fruits it has set.
2. Competition: When there are too many fruits on a tree, they may compete with each other for resources, leading to the shedding of some fruits.
3. Pollination and fertilization issues: If pollination or fertilization processes are incomplete or unsuccessful, the tree may drop the unfertilized or poorly developed fruits.
4. Environmental factors: Adverse weather conditions, such as frost, extreme heat, drought, or strong winds, can also cause fruit drop.
5. Disease or pest infestation: Certain diseases or pest attacks can result in the dropping of fruits as a defence mechanism by the tree [2]
Fruit drop is a natural mechanism that helps the tree optimize its resources and produce healthier fruits. It is a common occurrence in many fruit-bearing trees, and growers often expect some level of fruit drop during the growing season.
Immature oranges: a sustainable source of citrus extract
Though the tree drops the immature oranges to sustain other oranges, this does not mean that the immature oranges are not full of nutrients. On the contrary, these immature oranges have very high levels of the hero-compound hesperidin that Solabia Nutrition’s citrus extracts are standardized for.
To utilize their potential, these immature oranges must undergo a specific drying process. The moisture is carefully removed, transforming them into dried fruits. Once the oranges are fully dried, the extraction process begins, unlocking the hesperidin. This compound is a type of flavonoid that has many beneficial health effects.
The process of getting immature oranges is not only sustainable because the fruit drop is a natural process, but also because of the way pests are controlled via biological control [3].
How biological control preserves the quality of the immature oranges
A sustainable practice employed by orange tree farmers is biological control, which involves the deliberate use of natural enemies to combat pests. Instead of relying on harmful pesticides, farmers harness the power of nature’s allies to protect their citrus trees, including the immature oranges.
Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, are introduced into the orchards to prey on pests like aphids and caterpillars that can harm the immature oranges. This method, known as biological control, helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem by reducing pest populations naturally and safeguarding the growth of immature oranges.
By embracing this approach, farmers can minimize the use of pesticides, thereby protecting the environment and preserving the health of the citrus trees and their valuable immature oranges.
This sustainable practice not only ensures the quality of the oranges but also fosters a harmonious relationship between agriculture and nature, promoting a healthier and more environmentally friendly farming system.
The most interesting part of immature oranges: Hesperidin
Hesperidin, a bioactive compound found abundantly in citrus fruits like oranges, possesses numerous health benefits. It’s a powerful flavonoid that has been extensively studied by Solabia Nutrition for its effect on gut health and in its micronized form: its effect on sports performance.
By utilizing the immature oranges’ dried form, the extraction process harnesses hesperidin’s potency, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to its production.
During Solabia Nutrition’s visit to the orange fields in Spain that are the source of the immature oranges for our extracts, we had the privilege of learning about the orange trees’ natural fruit drop from our orange farmer.
The dried immature oranges, sourced from these carefully selected fields, serve as the foundation for our citrus extracts. By partnering with nature and respecting its processes, we strive to provide ingredients that are not only of the highest quality but also sustainably produced.
