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Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Science of Flavonoids, New and Promising
Although the science of flavonoids is new and broad-based, what can be learned from and about these carbon-based molecules is their apparent positive impact on human health. Flavonoids found in most plant material, when consumed by humans in significant amounts, are thought to lead to a lower risk of cancer, protection against heart disease, and a decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
More than 4,000 types of flavonoids have been identified, with different types exhibiting different properties.
Flavonoids, commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and certain beverages, typically generate high antioxidant activity, thus eliminating free radicals and promoting overall good health.
Bullet points include:
* Average human intake of flavonoids each day can range from 50 to 800 mg … critical because average intake of other common dietary antioxidants vitamin C (70 mg,) and vitamin E (7-10 mg,) often much lower
* Some health benefits attributed to flavonoids include: anti-allergic, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral
* Some epidemiological studies have illustrated inverse relationship between heart disease and flavonoid intake
* Some studies say flavoniods prevent cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes
* Six major flavonoid subgroups: chalcone, flavone, flavonol, flavanona, anthocyanins, isoflavonoids
* Along with carotenes, flavonoids provide color in fruits, vegetables, herbs
* Most important sources of flavonoids include fruits, such as apples; tea; and soybeans
* Flavonoids in hops and beer, including the flavanone isoxanthohumol, might confer more antioxidant activity than red wine, tea, or soy
* Further studies are required to learn if xanthohumol can be used for dietary supplements, or if high doses have adverse effects on humans
* Epicatechin is a highly active flavoniod found in dark chocolate, specifically cacao, which has the highest antioxidant rating of any plant
* New technology keeps flavonoids in dark chocolate by manufacturing chocolate without undue heat
* Flavonoids can include hesperidin … common in citrus fruits … counteracts hat fever; reduces permeability of capillaries, thus making them healthier
* Flavonoids can include rutin … with chelating properties for metal ions … heavily concentrated in buckwheat
* Citrus flavonoids found in orange and tangerine juices can help combat prostrate cancer
* Linus Pauling Institute, at Oregon State University, suggests flavonoids, such as found in black tea, apples, onions, and cacao might modulate cell-signaling pathways, thus triggering antioxidant impacts
Water soluble, flavonoids still are being studied for a myriad of health-related reasons. Some scientists say the anthocyanins in bilberry, purple cabbage, and grapes help prevent the lens of the human eye from developing cataracts. Some say another flavonoid found in grapefruit, naringenin, contains anti-cancer properties. And many say the quercetin flavonoid found in apples, tea, onions, cauliflower, etc. inhibits the growth of tumors and human cancer cells.
With the science of flavonoids becoming more and more prominent on the health scene, a rush has been noticed in recent years to provide consumers with safe, flavonoid-rich supplements. A few rich in both antioxidants and flavonoids include grape seed, biorubin, and rose hip products.
By Rocky Wilson author of Sharene -- Death: A Prerequisite For Life
