What Are Flavonoids And Why Are You Supposed To Care?

By Kathleen Hall


There are so many books, articles, and spokespeople recommending so many different kinds of diets and menu plans, most people don't know what to believe about food. It is often hard to tell whether or not you should eat meat at all, and if you do, what kind and how often. It is pretty much accepted that you need plenty of water to stay hydrated. The majority of individuals understand processed food and fast food aren't good for them, and many realize the importance of daily portions of fruits and vegetables. Nutritionists generally say plant foods high in flavonoids should be your first choice, but they don't always tell you why.

You may have never heard the word before, or it may sound familiar but you don't really know what it is or how it pertains to your life. Put in simple English, these are a family of nutrients with thousands of members. They are found everywhere, but are most importantly in plant foods such as fruits and vegetables. Green tea is a great source of the nutrients as well.

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.

These nutrients have a number of health benefits associated with them. For one thing they are high in antioxidants. It is a little complicated to explain, but when oxidants get into our body they can change molecules and create free radicals. Too many free radicals can cause a lot of problems unless they are kept in check.

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.

Another benefit to your heart, as well as the rest of your body, is the anti inflammatory aspect. It may seem obvious that inflammation is not a good thing. When it occurs in a wound or causes some kind skin rash, you can actually see what damage it can do. It will do the same kind of damage inside your body unless you do something to keep it in check.

The extent to which these nutrients help lower the risk of cancer is still up for debate. Many in the scientific community believe that their anti inflammatory and oxidizing properties can be beneficial in avoiding cancerous cell activity. These nutrients have been proven to be excellent detoxification agents, and this can also be helpful fighting cancer cells. Most scientists agree that more study and research is necessary to determine how this dynamic really works.

Most people pretty much know what they should do when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, but many of us don't follow sensible guidelines. Adding some colorful fruits and vegetables and introducing them early to your children is an easy first step.




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