Difference between Flavonoids and Antioxidants
Are you familiar with flavonoids health benefits? I think many of us do not know the scientific food value of flavonoids. It is very important for our health and what makes it so important is its antioxidant activity. But do not mix up the two. Foods containing flavonoids are a very important addition to every diet. In this article I would like to give you a comparative idea about flavonoids and antioxidants.
What They Are
Antioxidants are a group of compounds that are produced by the body. They are the free radical police of the body that produce due to the biological oxidations. They protect us from the oxidative stress caused by free radical and maintain an optimal balance. On the other hand flavonoids are polyphenols abundantly found in fruits, vegetables and herbs. They are synthesized only in plants. From human nutrition perspective, flavonoids are important components of a healthy diet because of their antioxidant activity. In fact, there are diverse groups of phytochemicals exceeding 4,000 in number that are classified as flavonoids. Scientists classify flavanoid antioxidants into three major names; rutin, quercetin and resveratrol.
Comparative Analysis
Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. Consumers and food manufacturers worldwide have become interested in flavonoids for their possible medicinal properties, especially their immense role in prevention of cancers and cardiovascular diseases. So it is the antioxidants that make flavonoids so popular. Although physiological evidence is not yet established, the beneficial effects of fruits, vegetables, and tea or even red wine have sometimes been attributed to flavonoid compounds rather than to known micronutrients, such as vitamins and dietary minerals. The antioxidants play a major role in our cell membranes by protecting them from free radicals which destroy cells and promote cancer.
Smart Eating
A study revealed that populations that consume large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, tea, and red wine enjoy increased longevity and decreased risk of serious diseases. It is the antioxidant property of the flavonoids that is given responsible for this. They also help to block the release of histamines during an allergic response. It has been reported that flavonoids have a negative correlation with incidence of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, they have several anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. So it is suggested that you should check your food menu and please add the flavonoid foods if they are not listed yet. Some example of dietary flavonoid sources include: tea, onions, honey, beans, spinach, buckwheat, strawberry, blueberry, rooibos plant and others.
Summary
- Antioxidants are the integrated part of flavonoid foods.
- Flavonoid foods have very rich medicinal value.
- They can prevent you from several gastro-vascular diseases.
- You should add the flavonoid foods to your food menu.
