It is a well known fact that our daily consumption of diet can be broadly classified to have proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fat in some proportion. These are not the only ones that help us keep our body fit, agile and healthy. In addition to these broad categories, there are many other things that also play a very vital role in their own way to help us maintain a healthy body. One of such important things that is found in many eatables we consume is classified under a broad category called bioflavonoids.
What are these bioflavonoids?
The fruits and vegetables we consume do include a range of naturally occuring phytochemicals. These phytochemicals are classified in a broad group called as Bioflavonoids. This broad group of bioflavonoids, comprises of flavorants and plant pigments, and is categorized into many sub categories such as isoflavones, flavans, flavones, flavonines, and anthocyanidins.
What do they do?
We might be aware of the role of Vitamin C in our body. According to the latest research in the field of medical technology, the bioflavonoids present in many fruits and vegetables help in enhancing the performance of Vitamin C.
In addition to enhancing the performance of Vitamin C, these bioflavonoids also provide many health promoting effects to our body.
Bioflavonoids play an important role in improving the strength of the capillaries, which are highly permeable blood vessels. It is these capillaries that allow hormones, oxygen, antibodies and nutrients from the bloodstream into individual cells. If the capillaries are not strong enough, or else, if the capillary walls are fragile, then blood will seep into the cells and might cause abnormalities, small and big such as bruises, hemorrages or even bleeding gums. The capillaries are strengthened by these bioflavonoids by properly enhancing the degree of permeability in the capillary walls.
It has been discovered that some of the bioflavonoids help in preventing cellular damage that could be caused by free radicals when oxygen is used.
Bioflavonoids play a vital role in either stopping or else slowing down the growth of malignant cells and thus help in protecting the body against cancer-causing substances.
Where are these bioflavonoids found ?
Fruits and vegetables are the major source for bioflavonoids and it is this reason that many doctors and nutritions advise intake of more fruits and vegetables as anti-cancer diet on a regular basis.
Citrus fruits contain flavanones; soy products are a good source for isoflavones; apples contain flavons. Generally, fruits like cherries, apricots, cantaloupe, grape, grapefruit, tomatoes, papaya and plums are found to be rich in bioflavonoids.
