Flavonoids belong to the group of secondary plant compounds. These are certain chemical compounds that plants do not produce either by means of their plant metabolism or by energy metabolism. Chemically, they are members of the polyphenols. The flavonoids are also attributed certain modes of action due to their content, which can positively serve health.
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids, which are found in many plants, possess extremely effective antioxidants that capture all free radicals within the body, so to speak. Some species of animals, such as butterflies, possess these phytochemicals in their bodies, which can be explained by their ingestion and storage of them in their bodies. However, flavonoids universally protect all plants from external environmental adversities, give the plant healing powers and provide it with a mostly yellow color. In addition, they can protect the human organism from certain diseases or reduce the risk of disease. They have the ability to neutralize harmful free radicals, which cause aggressive oxygen compounds in the organism. Precise use of different types of flavonoids can, among other things, significantly reduce a certain risk of cancer. They also inhibit the growth of unwanted viruses, bacteria and fungi and have a positive effect on blood pressure. Furthermore, flavonoids have a vasodilatory effect in the human organism, as well as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect.
Pharmacological effect
Flavonoids, like all polyphenols, possess extremely effective antioxidants, which trap all free radicals within the body, so to speak. Free radicals represent immensely reactive compounds, which are triggered, for example, by intense sun exposure. Before such compounds can damage lipids, proteins or DNA, flavonoids are able to deactivate the highly reactive nitrogen and oxygen molecules and thus prevent an oxidative effect. Antioxidant ingredients are also found, for example, very richly in vitamins C as well as E. Flavonoids also possess a certain antimicrobial mode of action. For example, green tea contains epigallocatechin, which has exactly this effect within the human organism. Flavonoids are also said to have a certain antiviral mode of action. Another effect of polyphenols is said to be immunosuppression (suppresses immunological processes) and anti-inflammatory. Flavonoids likewise have a supportive effect on cardiovascular systems, balancing blood pressure within a certain range and thus reducing the risk of thrombosis.
Medical application and use
Different plant colors such as purple, red, yellow and blue are set off by flavonoids. These nutrients are often found on the marginal layers or just below the skin of quite a few vegetables and fruits. For these reasons, it is recommended to leave the peel intact so as not to destroy valuable flavonoids. Numerous ingredients of this type are found in many types of fruit, such as pears and plums, berries and grapes, cherries and apples. However, various vegetables such as kale or eggplants and onions also contain these nutrients in particularly sufficient quantities and are thus considered to be extremely healthy vegetables. Rich flavonoids can even be found in rather inconspicuous foods such as cocoa, tea or chocolate. Thus, these luxury foods are not only balm for the body, but also a true health tip. In order to maintain the effective benefits of flavonoids, it is essential to integrate these certain foods into the diet on a daily basis. According to the recommendation of the “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e.V.”, each person should consume five smaller portions of vegetables and fruit per day. In this way, the organism automatically receives not only the vital minerals, vitamins and trace elements, but also a number of flavonoids and secondary plant substances. In addition, it is better to drink black or green tea instead of lemonade. The one glass of red wine in the evening is much more beneficial than a glass of beer, because wine contains rich heart and vessel-protecting flavonoids in its red grape skins.
Risks and side effects
The exquisite properties of flavonoids have been known only recently, so their beneficial effects have not yet been fully proven. However, they do not show any harm in humans in any way within the studies. Due to this, flavonoids are used in medicines especially in cardiovascular drugs, as liver therapeutics as well as diuretics (flushing out of fluids) and in gastrointestinal disorders as spasmolytics (lowers muscle tension/loosens their cramping). Side effects have hardly been reported with flavonoids.
