Have you had your flavonoids today? Be honest, have you even heard of flavonoids? Most people don't know the first thing about these substances known for their antioxidant properties. Flavonoids, or Vitamin P and citrin, are plant metabolites. There are upwards of 6,000 different substances found in plants. Flavonoids change the body's reactions to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. In other words, they have demonstrated anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity which makes them an integral part of a healthy diet. Research has indicated that these flavonoids prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Flavonoids enhance the power of vitamin C, protect cells from oxygen damage, prevent blood vessels for rupture or leakage, and ward off inflammation throughout the body. There are plenty of sources of flavonoids readily available at your local grocery store. You just have to know where to look.
Good sources of flavonoids include apples, apricots, blueberries, pears, raspberries, strawberries, black beans, cabbage, onions, parsley, pinto beans, and tomatoes. A good rule of thumb for determining where the flavonoid goldmines are is to look for the most colorful components of foods. For example, the skin often contains the highest concentration of flavonoids. Some serious indications that you aren't getting enough flavonoids in your diet are easy bruising, nosebleeds, swelling after injuries and a weak immune system that makes you more susceptible to colds and infections. Believe it or not, flavonoids are useful in preventing or treating, allergies, asthma, yeast infections, diabetes, gout, hemorrhoids, migraine, stomach ulcers and varicose veins.