What Are Flavonoids And Why Should You Care?

By Kathleen Hall


There seem to be hundreds of exercise and diet experts who have very strong opinions about what you should do to shed those extra pounds and turn yourself into the person you were meant to be. A lot of them appear to be capitalizing on the cravings many people have for a quick fix. If you go on a liquid diet, or a meat only one, you will see miraculous results for instance. Most people know an extreme diet or an expensive milkshake regimen is not the solution. There is a reason your mother and grandmother told you repeatedly to eat your fruits and vegetables, and one of those reasons is flavonoids.

Sometimes when people hear a word associated with food that has a scientific ring to it, their eyes glaze over. There are so many buzzwords surrounding what we eat, it is confusing and discouraging to sort them out. This term simply means a nutrient family with hundreds of close relatives. You can find them in the fruits and vegetables you eat, and green tea is loaded with them.

You already know what they are even though you may not recognize the name. For years, doctors and food specialists have been pushing people to eat leafy green vegetables and brightly colored fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. They don't always explain that what makes them so vivid and attractive are the nutrition they contain.

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.

Heart disease is one of the deadliest killers in the world today. By adding generous portions of fruits and vegetables to your diet, you are helping keep your heart's blood vessels strong and free of the clogs that can lead to a heart attack.

Everyone has experienced the discomfort of an inflammation caused by a wound or bad reaction. It is obvious in the red, puffy, unhealthy appearance. An internal inflammation is just the same. It can wreak havoc on your body if you don't do something to minimize it. These help reduce and clear up these internal inflammations.

There are differing opinions when it comes to how much influence these nutrients have on cancer cells. Some believe their natural anti inflammatory properties and antioxidant production may prevent cells from becoming cancerous. Scientists are still researching and discussing these possibilities.

Establishing a healthy eating pattern and sticking to it is a wonderful example to set for your children. Everyone enjoys an occasional sinful treat, but healthy and balanced meals should be the norm.




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