We usually evaluate the types of flavonoids by a food product or the content of vitamins and minerals. But there are a group of substances that are less known but much more important to us as antioxidants or enzyme regulators. These are flavonoids that can only be obtained from plant foods: fruits, vegetables and spices. But their action is not limited to this! In their structure and chemical composition, these substances are close to hormones. As hormones are involved in almost all processes in our body.

For example, they regulate the action of various enzymes, including digestive. One of the enzymes kinase, which is responsible for cell proliferation, they suppress. And that’s very good. What makes them excellent anti-cancer drugs. And as antioxidants, they are 50-100 times more effective than vitamins C and E, reliably protect us from disease and aging. Flavones These include luteolin and apigenin.

Good types of flavonoids include celery, parsley, various herbs and hot peppers. Flavones are associated with general antioxidant benefits and delayed drug metabolism. Anthocyanidins These include malvidin, pelargondine, peoidin and cyanidin.

Good sources of anthocyanidins include red, purple and blue fruits; grenades; plums. Red wine; and red and purple grapes. Anthocyanins are associated with heart health, antioxidant effects and help prevent obesity and diabetes.

What are the types of flavonoids

Quercetin More of it is found in onions and red, not white. One onion a day can dramatically increase the level of quercetin in the body for several hours. This is especially necessary for allergy sufferers and those suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.

Quercetin is probably the most powerful antioxidant among bioflavonoids, it actively counteracts cancer cells. It also prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Thus contributes to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Benefits of quercetin is also found in apples, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, beans, red wine.

Resveratrol is found in grape skins and red wine, blueberries, cocoa and nuts, respectively. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels, thins the blood, has antidiabetic and anti-cancer effects. Targeted research confirms that dark grape varieties and the wines they produce are rich in resveratrol. Resveratrol protects the arteries from atherosclerosis. Proanthocyanidins Proanthocyanidins are types of flavonoids, powerful antioxidants (20 times more powerful than ascorbic acid and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E).

Contained in blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, cherries, eggplants, beets, red cabbage and some peppers – both hot and sweet. Proanthocyanidins help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lycopene Tomatoes contain the flavonoid lycopene. Lycopene is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, it is compared to vitamins E, C, A. Lycopene is not destroyed after heat treatment of tomatoes. In tomato sauce, in tomato juice there is many times more lycopene than in fresh fruit.

What will help absorb flavonoids

Bioflavonoids are not formed in the human body, they can only come from outside. You can find them in tablets in pharmacies, but the fact is that these substances work best together with their own species. Only nature can provide such an optimal balance. Every tomato or garlic clove useful flavonoids are contained in the amount and in the proportion that is best absorbed and helps. This means that it is better to get them from natural products, especially during the season. To preserve the full range of nutrients, it is better not to heat vegetables and fruits. Some flavonoids also do not tolerate freezing.