I was recently asked - what are flavonoids? This may sound like a simple question but it's not so easy to answer. Therefore this question will be explained as simplistic as possible.
To understand what flavonoids are, you first need to know what phytochemicals are. Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found within fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices. There are thousands of different types of phytochemicals but polyphenols make up the largest group of phytochemicals. There are more than 8,000 different types of polyphenols! The classification of polyphenols is based upon its origin, biological function, and chemical structure. This gets more complex and interesting because flavonoids are a type of polyphenol that can be broken down into sub-classes; but we won't go any further than that in this article!
Now you may be wondering - why is this important to me?
Why should I be concerned about these chemical compounds?
Simply stated, these often overlooked nutrients are extremely important for your health! There is increasing amount of evidence that supports the role of polyphenols (flavonoids) in the prevention of degenerative diseases particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases. As it pertains to cancer which is a multi-step, time initiated process, if and/or when a polyphenol blocks any step in the cancer initiation process, at this point the chances that cancer will occur are reduced!
Why should I be concerned about these chemical compounds?
Simply stated, these often overlooked nutrients are extremely important for your health! There is increasing amount of evidence that supports the role of polyphenols (flavonoids) in the prevention of degenerative diseases particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases. As it pertains to cancer which is a multi-step, time initiated process, if and/or when a polyphenol blocks any step in the cancer initiation process, at this point the chances that cancer will occur are reduced!
As previously discussed, polyphenols (flavonoids) are found in a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and therefore both should be consumed everyday! However, considering the fact that cardiovascular disease is prevalent in the United States and cancer can initiate from multiple sources, supplementing one's diet with additional flavonoids may prove to be greatly beneficial!
Try adding lots of flavor to your meals when cooking in addition to taking a high quality
phytonutrient complex supplement. Use plenty of organic herbs & spices such as turmeric, curry, fresh garlic and onions when cooking. Why not treat yourself to a cup of hot herbal tea, a glass of dark red wine, and/or dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) everyday! Make it a goal to consume more flavonoids daily by enjoying delicious beverages, colorful fruits and vegetables, and cooking with organic herbs & spices!
phytonutrient complex supplement. Use plenty of organic herbs & spices such as turmeric, curry, fresh garlic and onions when cooking. Why not treat yourself to a cup of hot herbal tea, a glass of dark red wine, and/or dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) everyday! Make it a goal to consume more flavonoids daily by enjoying delicious beverages, colorful fruits and vegetables, and cooking with organic herbs & spices!
References Cited
Rong Tsao. Chemistry and Biochemistry of Dietary Polyphenols. (2010).
James L. Groff, Sareen S. Gropper, Jack L. Smith. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth 2009.
Wardlaw M. Gordon, Jeffrey S. Hampl. Perspective in Nutrition 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 2007.
Rong Tsao. Chemistry and Biochemistry of Dietary Polyphenols. (2010).
James L. Groff, Sareen S. Gropper, Jack L. Smith. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth 2009.
Wardlaw M. Gordon, Jeffrey S. Hampl. Perspective in Nutrition 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 2007.