Flavonoids
What the bejesus are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are phytochemicals found in many fruits and vegetables. They are high in antioxidants and are responsible for the colouring of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Flavonoids include Quercetin, Epicatechin and Anthocyanadins and are the subject of much recent research for their all round goodness for your health. It was once thought that the reason flavonoids were so good for you was because of their high antioxidant content but recent results have shown that flavonoids are more effective for their other properties.
What do said flavonoids do for me?
Although flavonoids are high in antioxidants and thus provide anti-oxidation properties to your body, their main role is one of a cleansing nature. Flavonoids work by prompting the body to produce enzymes which rid the body of nasties such as carcinogen, mutagens and other compounds which do not belong in a healthy human body. Flavonoids found in green tea lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides, those found in soy prevent osteoporosis and ease menopausal symptoms. Cocoa and red wine contain flavonoids that help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Others such as those found in hops and beer have anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral anti-platelet and even anti-cancer properties so you could really say that flavonoids are anti-nasty in every way.
One great thing about flavonoids is that you only need to have a small amount to kick-start the body’s own defense system so, even if they are poorly absorbed, you will still get the benefit of having them in your diet. Flavonoids in red wine are thought to be the reason behind the French paradox. The French eat loads of cheese, that is relatively high in saturated fat, yet have comparatively low rates of cardiovascular disease, this is thought to be due to enjoyment of red wine on a regular basis.
Ok then, how do I get my hands on these little beauties?
If you eat a well balanced diet full of fruits and veges then chances are you get all the flavonoids you need in your diet. Most fruits and veges contain a variety of flavonoids. Remember, you only need a small amount of flavonoids to get the great benefits they offer and taking large amounts could cause adverse effects so you would never need to take flavonoids in supplement form. Some good sources of flavonoids are hops, beer, cocoa, red wine, hawthorn, soy, green tea, citrus fruits, cranberry, berries, seabuckthorn, parsley, legumes and onions. So bon appetite, and salut to you and remember to wash down that cheese platter with a healthy glass of red, or a couple of squares of dark chocolate, or both.
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