What Are Flavonoids And Why Should You Care?

By Kathleen Hall


Everywhere you look these days there are articles and television programs devoted to the newest diet guaranteed to drop pounds from your body and inches from your waist without the inconvenience of exercise or moderation. As soon as one of these miracle plans disappears two others take their place. It's no wonder people are so confused about what the right thing is to eat and how important calories are and how much water you need to drink every day. One thing most nutritionists are pretty much in agreement on however is the importance of flavonoids in our daily diet.

They may not have known the word, but they were on the right track. Today we know a lot more about nutrition and how and why certain foods are good us. In many ways, we have come full circle back to what seemed obvious to previous generations. Plant foods are good for you because they are chock full of nutrients. Liquids such as green tea are loaded with them too. Animal products however, are not a very effective source of them.

Most of us know we should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day if we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We also know that for the last several years nutritionists have emphasized the importance of concentrating on richly colored plants. They will tell you the brighter the color of the fruit or vegetable, the better it is for you. That color comes from the nutrient found in them.

A lot of informed shoppers know these plant foods are high in antioxidants which are good for you, but many don't know exactly why. There are oxidants in everyone's body, but when too much is produced they can change molecules. When this happens you end up with free radicals. These nutrients help to reduce the production of these trouble makers.

There are studies that find they encourage good cholesterol and help strengthen the heart's blood vessel walls There are other studies that suggest adding a mixture of nutrient rich herbs such as rosemary, garlic, and oregano, to meat can be beneficial.

Everyone has experienced the discomfort of an inflammation caused by a wound or bad reaction. It is obvious in the red, puffy, unhealthy appearance. An internal inflammation is just the same. It can wreak havoc on your body if you don't do something to minimize it. These help reduce and clear up these internal inflammations.

Scientists seem to be divided on how important these nutrients are in lowering the risk of cancer. Some believe that its anti inflammatory properties and anti oxidizing abilities can help cells from becoming cancerous. They know that these nutrients are excellent for detoxification, and some think this might lower the risk of cancer. More studies have to be done before there is definitive agreement.

Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit every day may not be as exotic a diet regimen as some others, but it is a tried and true method of optimizing health. Becoming informed about the foods you eat and why that they are good for you is very important.




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