2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Bioflavonoids is a group of antioxidants that have a number of health benefits. They are pigments in plants, and their presence is associated with the red, yellow or blue color of fruits and plants. From a biological point of view, their role is in two aspects - protection from microbes and insects and attracting attention through the beautiful color.
Benefits of bioflavonoids
Studies on the properties of bioflavonoids have only begun in recent years. They were originally discovered as auxiliary agents of vitamins, which increase their benefits, which is especially true for vitamin C.
Bioflavonoids are thought to be very important in preventing diabetes.
Some of them protect against bad cholesterol, while others affect the cataract associated with diabetes. The main action of bioflavonoids is to protect against harmful free radicals.
These plant pigments have been shown to have a much more powerful antioxidant effect than known antioxidants such as vitamins E and C. They help clear the body of toxins in the long run.
Bioflavonoids protect against thrombosis, ulcers, improve the elasticity of blood vessels, which is a kind of prevention against stroke.
This type of antioxidant is extremely beneficial for the health of the cardiovascular system because it protects against plaque in the blood vessels and lowers cholesterol.
Types of bioflavonoids
Proanthocyanidins - They are found in fruits such as blueberries and strawberries. In addition to having antioxidant action and fighting free radicals, they also increase vitamin C levels. Proanthocyanidins strengthen blood vessels and reduce collagen breakdown. Substances of this type of bioflavonoids are used in dentistry to prevent tartar.
Epicatechin - It is found mostly in cocoa and according to some experts is key to heart health. In addition to the normal properties of bioflavonoids, it not only fights free radicals, but performs a complete process of decomposition and removal from the body.
Quercetin - found in all sources of bioflavonoids, but mostly in citrus fruits. Quercetin is considered to be the most active in the group. It has excellent anti-inflammatory action, antidiabetic activity, and some even attribute anti-cancer properties to it.
Quercetin is a very important regulator of histamine in the body, which is extremely important for regulating the activity of the immune system. Quercetin stops allergies at the very beginning of their development. This makes it an important ingredient in preparations against seasonal allergies.
Sources of bioflavonoids
The richest source of bioflavonoids are citrus fruits. They are rich in the bioflavonoids rutin, quercetin and others, which increase the absorption of vitamin C, which is rich in citrus fruits.
Citrus fruits are also rich in dietary fiber, which regulates blood sugar and lowers cholesterol. They are rich in potassium and at the same time low in sodium, which makes them useful for lowering blood pressure.
Wine lovers should know that it also ranks in the list of rich sources of bioflavonoids. Cocoa is very rich in bioflavonoids - mainly epicatechin, which is known to have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system.
All small fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and the like contain a number of bioflavonoids, but are richest in proanthocyanidins and quercetin. These fruits are very useful against infections. Walnuts are also rich in bioflavonoids.
Of the vegetables very rich in bioflavonoids are kale, broccoli and yellow onions. Soy and soy products have bioflavonoids, most of which are in tofu and soy milk.
Great advantage of bioflavonoids is that they are easily absorbed by the body, and are easily disposed of because they have a water-soluble structure. This makes their intake completely not only extremely useful, but also completely harmless. It is enough just to get fresh sources of valuable substances.
Deficiency of bioflavonoids
From the above lines it is clear that bioflavonoids are extremely important for health and the immune system.
Their deficiency can lead to a number of unpleasant problems, but the most common symptoms are capillary instability, expressed in red or small spots on the skin, bleeding gums, inflammation and pain in the ears.
All these symptoms resemble those of vitamin C deficiency, the absorption of which is aided by bioflavonoids.
