Flavonoids
Flavonoids are present in many vegetables and fruits. It is a type of photochemical that brings vibrant colour to flowers, fruits and vegetables. Even though they cannot be digested or absorbed like carbohydrates or proteins, they have a number of health benefits. Flavonoids are broken down by the gut bacteria and are utilized for the various needs of the body, as they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties. There are six subtypes of flavonoids, which have their own benefits. They are separated based on their chemical structure and the way they're broken down. In most cases, the colour of the fruit or vegetable will tell you the type of flavonoid present in them.
Types of Flavonoids
Flavones
They are pigments found in the plants that flower blue and white. They might help reduce inflammation in the body. Flavones are also known to protect the leaves from insects by acting as a natural pesticide. Some of the plants in which flavones are present are,
- Peppermint
- Celery
- Parsely
- Chamomile
- Red peppers
Flavanones
Flavanones might help reduce weight and manage cholesterol levels. They are also known to reduce inflammation. Some of the foods in which flavanones are found are,
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Grapefruit
- Lime
Flavanols
Flavanols are abundant in antioxidants, and they might also help manage symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. The following foods contain flavanols,
Anthocyanins
This is a naturally created pigment that gives the flowers purple, red, and blue colours. Anthocyanins are mostly found in berries and berry products such as,
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Red wine
- Purple and red grapes
- Strawberries
Flavan-3-ols
Consuming adequate Flavan-3-ols might improve cholesterol concentration and reduce blood pressure and sugar. Some of the foods containing Flavan-3-ols are,
- Oolong tea
- Red and purple grapes
- Apples
- White Tea
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- Cocoa
- Chocolates
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
Isoflavones
Isoflavones might help maintain the body's hormone balance. A few foods in which they can be found are,
- Soy products
- Fava beans
Benefits of Flavonoids
There are six kinds of flavonoids each having their own benefits. Like almost all the flavonoids have shown to reduce high blood pressure. A diet containing abundant flavonoids might reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Flavonoids in coffee, Tea and soy has shown to minimize the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content in flavonoids are also being studied as a potential for anticancer drugs. Research has shown that flavonoids might prevents cancer cells from multiplying. Few flavonoids might even reduce the risk of cancer. However more research is needed to properly evaluate the role of flavonoids in cancer therapy.
Flavonoids help regulate cellular activity and reduce oxidative stress by protecting the body from free radicals. They basically fight against toxins and stressors every day and help the body to perform better.
Inflammation is caused as a immune response by the body. This might be triggered due to a number of reasons like germs, toxins, allergens and various other irritants that cause uncomfortable symptoms. Flavonoids might help reduce those symptoms by avoiding the inflammation.
Flavonoids are abundant in antioxidants. Antioxidants help in fighting off the harmful molecules that may affect the body in many ways. The body is capable of producing antioxidants on its own, but eating antioxidant-rich foods like legumes, dark chocolates, and many other vegetables and fruits will help support the body.
Conclusion
Flavonoids are abundant in antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties. Flavonoids are present in various fruits, flowers and vegetables so they are also very easy to implement in your everyday diet.
