- Written By: J. Beam
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 18 January 2012
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Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Flavonoids, also referred to as bioflavonoids, are polyphenol antioxidants found naturally in plants. They are secondary metabolites, meaning they are organic compounds that have no direct involvement with the growth or development of plants. More simply put, flavonoids are plant nutrients that when consumed in the form of fruits and vegetables are non-toxic as well as potentially beneficial to the human body.
Flavonoids are widely disbursed throughout plants and are what give the flowers and fruits of many plants their vibrant colors. They also play a role in protecting the plants from microbe and insect attacks. More importantly, the consumption of foods containing flavonoids has been linked to numerous health benefits. Though research shows flavonoids alone provide minimal antioxidant benefit due to slow absorption by the body, there is indication that they biologically trigger the production of natural enzymes that fight disease.
Recent research indicates that flavonoids can be nutritionally helpful by triggering enzymes that reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related degenerative diseases. Some research also indicates flavonoids may help prevent tooth decay and reduce the occurrence of common ailments such as the flu. These potential health benefits, many of which have been proven, have become of particular interest to consumers and food manufacturers.
Foods that contain high amounts of flavonoids include blueberries, red beans, cranberries, and blackberries. Many other foods, including red and yellow fruits and vegetables and some nuts, also contain flavonoids. Red wine and certain teas also are rich in flavonoids.
Nutritionally speaking, flavonoids only need to be consumed in small amounts, such as the amounts consumed when eating a well-balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables, to reap any potential health benefit. Though future research may indicate otherwise, current valuations for a recommended daily intake of flavonoids have not been established. Nutrition experts recommend eating flavonoid-rich foods rather than taking dietary supplements containing large amounts of flavonoids.
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wavy58
Post 9 |
@StarJo – If flavonoids enable our bodies to get more vitamin C, then that is probably what keeps us from getting so many infections and illnesses. I drink grapefruit juice every morning, and I imagine that it is a major factor in my good health.
I used to be a sickly person. I would bruise very easily, and often I could not remember how I hurt myself. I got frequent nosebleeds, and I seemed to stay sick with a cold.
My doctor actually told me that I probably needed to be consuming more flavonoids. She was so right. My body feels stronger now, and I am so glad that all I had to do was start eating better foods. |
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cloudel
Post 8 |
@seag47 – Flavonoids help keep me healthy, too. After a particularly miserable winter when I got three terrible upper respiratory infections, I decided to try eating healthier.
I'm not crazy about blueberries and red beans, but there are some other flavonoid-rich foods that I eat on a regular basis. Apples are a good source, as well as strawberries. These are my two favorite fruits, and I always feel good after eating them.
On the vegetable side, black beans and tomatoes are good sources. I like to eat chicken tortilla soup, which includes both of these. Both are also excellent in tacos with some type of meat. |
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seag47
Post 7 |
I used to think that the only thing that could keep me from getting the flu was a flu shot, but I believe that changing my diet to include more flavonoids is what has kept me healthy during the last few flu seasons. I stopped getting flu shots, yet I haven't caught it.
I developed a love for blueberries. I put them in oatmeal, cereal, and even in the batter of my pancakes. Sometimes, I eat them by themselves.
I have also found that red beans taste great if you boil them with a little bit of beef bouillion in the water for extra flavor. I also like to add noodles to the mix to make it a meal.
I feel better inside since I have begun consuming more flavonoids. Can anyone tell me some more foods that contain high amounts? I want to add more to my diet. |
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StarJo
Post 6 |
I have read that certain flavonoids help our bodies absorb vitamin C. In fact, this vitamin would not be nearly as useful without their help.
Flavonoids can also increase our bodies' absorption of drugs. There is one flavonoid in grapefruits that is particularly good at this.
When I was involved in a clinical study of a drug used to treat polycystic kidney disease, I was told to avoid grapefruit while on the drug. Had I eaten any, my body could have absorbed more of the medication than necessary, and since this drug is experimental, they didn't know exactly what would happen.
Since grapefruit juice is often included in the punch at showers and weddings, I had to remember not to drink any of it. This was hard, because I went to over five events like this during the time I was on the study, and I had to sneak in a bottle of water each time. |
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anon241058
Post 5 |
Flavonoids are very beneficial and more and more research is proving it. Believe it or not, but cocoa or unprocessed dark chocolate has one of the highest antioxidant values known. |
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anon147633
Post 4 |
how do flavonoids affect treating wound infection or in wound healing? thanks for the answers.
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anon26977
Post 2 |
what extraction method may be used in flavonoids?? and is it possible to separate flavonoids in chromatography?? how??--tnx 4 d reply |
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catapult43
Post 1 |
Flavonoids have antioxidant powers and act as free radical scavengers. They are effective in suppressing inflammation. It is good to eat a cornucopia of vegetable and fruit to keep us healthy, young, and slim. |
