What are the Benefits of Flavonoids?

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Flavonoids are a type of phytochemicals found naturally in plants. They are also known as "bioflavonoids" or "polyphenolic antioxidants". Beverages like tea, red wine, fruit juice, cocoa, and coffee contain Flavonoids. They add vibrant colors and flavor to a variety of fruits and vegetables. They have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and anti-tumor properties. Regular consumption of foods rich in Flavonoids reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases. They help produce enzymes to combat free radicals in the human body. Flavonoids prevent tooth decay, common cold, flu, and fatigue. Citrus Flavonoids found in oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and tangerines enhance absorption of vitamin C. More than 6000 Flavonoids have been identified.

What are the different types of Flavonoids?

There are five types : Flavonols, Catechins, Flavones, Anthocyannis, and Isoflavonoes.

• Anthocyannis: Berries, Pomegranates, and Grapes are rich in anthocyannis. These pigments impart brilliant colors ranging from blue, purple, pink, and scarlet. There are more than five hundred different anthocyanins.
• Catechins: Grape seed, Cocoa, and Tea contain catechins. These antioxidants constitute Procyanidins, Flavonols, and Epicatechin.
• Flavones: There are four types: Hispidulin, Chrysin, Apigenin, and Luteolin. Green Chili and Broccoli are rich in luteolin. Red Bell Pepper and Chinese Cabbage contains apigenin.
• Flavonols: Apples, Red Wine, Tea, Broccoli, Hot Peppers, Ginkgo Biloba, Kale, Rutabagas, and Onions are packed with multiple Flavonols. There are four types of flavonols: Icariin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Myricetin. Rose Hip is considered an important source of quercetin. Horny Goat Weed contains large amount of icariin (a natural aphrodisiac). 
• Flavanone: There are two types: Naringen and Hesperidin. Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemons, and limes are rich in flavanones.
• Isoflavones: These bio-chemicals are classified into two types: Daidzein, and Genistein. Kudzu, Legumes, Beans, Pea and Soy contain isoflavones.

What are the natural sources of Flavonoids?

• One must eat a wide variety of whole vegetables and fruits to get plenty of Flavonoids in their regular diet.
• Broccoli, Spinach, Kale, Beans, Buckwheat, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Citrus fruit peels are rich in quercetin.
• Beer and Hops contain flavonol Xanthohumol.
• Soy Beans are rich in isoflavone genistein.
• Green, Black or White Tea is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as   epicatechin, catechin, quecertin, gallate, and epigallocatechin.
• Onions contain myricertin, quercetin, and kaempferol.
• Honey is full of quercetin and myricertin.

What are the Health benefits of Flavonoids?

Cellular Oxidative Stress:  Flavonoids are powerful anti-oxidants. They prevent damage to mitochondrial DNA. They inhibit free-radical formation caused by environmental pollution and smoke.

Cancer and Malignant Tumors: cancer and prostate cancer.

Neuro-degenerative Diseases: sugar and blood pressure levels. High blood sugar causes premature-aging, diabetes, and obesity. They help treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Flavonoids are called "blood thinners". They inhibit platelet formation through binding to the thromboxane A2 receptor.

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 What are Flavonoids Deficiency Symptoms?

 Deficiency symptoms include excessive bruisability, swelling post injury, nose bleeds, and hemorrhoids. Insufficient intake of Flavonoids can lead to common cold, weak immunity system, nasal polyps, flu, bronchitis, and recurrent ear infections.

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