Most people do not know the term flavonoids, however, we constantly come into contact with them in our lives. Flavonoids are secondary plant compounds that are said to have health-promoting effects in the human body. However, many have not yet been fully researched. Nevertheless, some flavonoid-containing plants are also used in medicine.
Flavonoids: what’s behind them
Flavonoids belong to the group of secondary plant compounds. They are responsible for the coloring of plants and protect them from harmful environmental influences.
Most flavonoids have a yellowish coloring. This is also the origin of their name, which was derived from the Latin term flavus = yellow. Up to 6,500 compounds are now known, which have been classified into different groups depending on their basic structure.
These foods are rich in flavonoids
Flavonoids are the most abundant appearing polyphenols (aromatic compounds) in food and are found in very many fruits and vegetables. In this context, a red coloration of the plant often occurs when there is a high content of flavonoids.
Thus have among other things
- Red grapes
- Apples
- Red cabbage
- Beet
a high percentage of flavonoids. Since their function is to protect plants from harmful environmental effects, the highest concentration is found in the peels and leaves.
Flavonoids support the body’s defenses.
Scientific studies showed positive effects of flavonoids on the human organism. Consumption of the plant substance supports the organism in promoting the body’s own defense mechanisms. Flavonoids are so-called antioxidants. They are able to render free radicals (oxygen compounds in the body) harmless. As a result, they are said to have a cancer-preventing effect.
In addition, flavonoids seem to have a positive influence on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Some flavonoids are also suspected of having antibacterial or antiviral effects. For example, study results suggest that flavonoids found in cranberries, for example, have a preventive effect on urinary tract infections.
Adverse effects of flavonoids.
However, it may be that an adverse effect of flavonoids is an increase in the risk of leukemia in young children should their mothers have taken flavonoid supplements during pregnancy. However, it is not yet clear whether flavonoids in the form of supplements have a genotoxic effect on humans.
A healthy from balanced diet with sufficient fruits and vegetables provides the body with sufficient flavonoids and supports its natural defense capabilities, so that the additional intake of dietary supplements is generally not necessary.
