It is a universal knowledge that consuming foods of plant origin is related to a healthy life thanks to the multiple vitamins and beneficial elements that a healthy diet provides to our body. Some of these elements are better known, such as vitamin C, while others tend to go unnoticed, without this meaning that their benefits are not as good. Among these elements, you can find the so-called flavonoids, with properties that range from reducing the effects of aging on our appearance to improving pain and inflammatory processes. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain what flavonoids are and what they are for so that you take into consideration the foods that contain them on your next visit to the market.
Table of Contents
What are flavonoids
Flavonoids are elements found in the composition of many foods, which are ingested daily by humans, specifically in vegetables, fruits, and some beverages such as tea. They are considered pigments, so they are responsible for giving color to foods containing them.
Flavonoids: antioxidant properties
The attribute that has attracted the most attention of flavonoids has recently been their antioxidant capacity as they contain vitamin C. It reduces the number of free radicals and other compounds and products of the metabolism of the cells of our body.
By eliminating the oxidizing components, we improve the condition of the organs, thereby reducing the risk of suffering from diseases and, particularly, reducing the impact of the passing of years on our appearance by minimizing the changes caused by aging.
Lower cholesterol levels
The increase in cholesterol levels, that is, of fat molecules in our blood, is related to a greater risk of suffering diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as heart attacks or cardiac hypertension, because these fat molecules are lodged in the arteries, hardening them and reducing their diameter and, therefore, the passage of blood. And another of the main benefits of flavonoids is that they lower bad cholesterol and favor the displacement of fat cells. Consequently, they do not accumulate in the arteries, and the risk of producing thrombi is also reduced.
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories
Some flavonoids have shown the ability to produce effects similar to those produced by commonly used analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, even having a similar mechanism of action. Therefore, they can contribute to the reduction of pain symptoms, and even their consumption can reduce the doses required to achieve relief in those affected by diseases that involve constant consumption of painkillers.
They protect the liver and stomach.
It has been shown that among the properties of flavonoids is also the ability to protect the liver during episodes of hepatitis, as well as to promote proper repair of the affected organ.
In the stomach, on the other hand, they can reduce the risk of ulcer formation by protecting the gastric mucosa.
Foods rich in flavonoids
As mentioned above, flavonoids are a product of plant origin, which is why they can only be found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. They are a large group of components, and foods can have different properties due to the predominance of one flavonoid over another. Some examples are the following:
- Green apple: reduces the risk of heart attacks and cancer and helps control asthma and gastroesophageal reflux.
- Blueberries: they are very antioxidants with quite important analgesic properties.
- Broccoli contributes significantly to reducing lung cancer.
- Cabbage: lowers cholesterol levels and helps reduce the risk of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
- Capers: the best source of flavonoids, they produce essential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to preventing cancer and fighting infections.
- Chocolate: the ideal is to consume cocoa since preparing chocolate implies the loss of many flavonoids.
- Strawberries: the intense red color of strawberries indicates their high concentration of pigments, producing good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Grapes: can have quite favorable effects on the prevention of heart attacks.
- Tea: Teas have been shown to have significant anticancer effects.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.