Vitamins Guide – BIOFLAVONOIDS
Bioflavonoid-Rich Foods
In vitamin supplements, the natural form of vitamin C comes from either acerola cherries or corn. It is most effective when combined with bioflavonoids – a group of coloring pigments that bolster a plant’s antioxidant protection against environmental stress. Bioflavonoids obtained from bioflavonoid-rich foods are needed to:
All fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C are good sources of bioflavonoids.
Water Soluble
Bioflavonoids are water-soluble nutrients that are needed in tiny amounts and cannot be stored in the body. That is why eating a regular supply of fresh foods is important in order to maintain the correct levels of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. For example, a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables typically provides 1 to 2 grams (1,000 to 2,000 mg) per day of the whole range of bioflavonoids.
Sources of Bioflavonoids
The best sources of bioflavonoids (of which 5 are selected further on for closer examination) are, in alphabetical order: -
Bioflavonoid research is relatively new and has turned up some interesting findings: -
5 Amazing Bioflavonoid-Rich Foods
Bioflavonoids are a group of plant compounds that have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including improving skin health. They mainly occur in plants’ leaves and outer parts, and only trace amounts are present in underground plant parts, except for onion bulbs, which contain significant portions of the flavonoid quercetin. In bioflavonoid-rich foods, flavonoids are usually bound to simple sugars like glucose.
Dr. Michael Hertog
Dr. Hertog analyzed flavonoids in Dutch foods and identified five potential anti-carcinogenic flavonoids in popular food. He noted that flavonoid levels in leafy greens such as lettuce, endive, and leeks were seasonally dependent. Levels were up to five times higher in summer than in other seasons, revealing that flavonoid formation is light-dependent. In addition, Dr. Hertog found that greenhouse-grown plants have less flavonoid content, indicating ultraviolet light plays a role in their production. Glass reflects most UV light.
Always eat FRESH food
Food processing destroys food nutrients, including bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoid levels in processed foods are half compared to those in fresh products. However, amazingly sweet cherries contain more of the flavonol called quercetin than fresh sweet cherries. So, if you’re looking to incorporate more bioflavonoids into your diet, here are five of the best bioflavonoid-rich foods to consider: -
Bioflavonoid-Rich Foods: Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are great bioflavonoid-rich foods that can help improve your skin health and overall well-being. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are all rich in bioflavonoids like hesperidin and quercetin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a major contributor to skin aging, so incorporating more citrus fruits into your diet can help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. Plus, they’re delicious and easy to add to your meals or snacks!
Anti-inflammatory
In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, citrus fruits are also rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production and skin elasticity. Eating a diet rich in bioflavonoid-rich foods like citrus fruits can also help protect against sun damage and improve overall skin texture. Try adding slices of citrus fruits to your water or salads, or enjoy them as a snack on their own. Their sweet and tangy flavor makes them a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.
Bioflavonoid-Rich Foods: Berries
Not only are berries delicious, but they also offer a range of health benefits. As one of the bioflavonoid-rich foods, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are all rich in anthocyanins, which have been shown to protect against UV damage and improve skin elasticity. These bioflavonoids also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation in the skin. Try adding a handful of berries to your morning smoothie or yogurt for a tasty and nutritious boost.
Quercetin and catechins
In addition to anthocyanins, berries are also a great source of other bioflavonoids, such as quercetin and catechins. Quercetin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while catechins have been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Berries are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great snack option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. So next time you’re looking for a sweet treat, reach for a handful of berries and enjoy their many benefits.
Bioflavonoid-Rich Foods: Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is not only a delicious treat but also contains high levels of flavanols, a type of bioflavonoid. Flavonols have been shown to improve blood flow to the skin, leading to a brighter complexion and better skin health overall. In addition, the antioxidants in dark chocolate can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Just be sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to get the most benefits.
A tasty treat
If you want to add more bioflavonoid-rich foods to your diet, dark chocolate is a great option. Not only is it a tasty treat, but it also contains high levels of flavanols, which have been shown to have several health benefits. In addition to improving blood flow to the skin, flavanols may also help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health. Just be sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to get the most benefits. And remember, while dark chocolate can be a healthy addition to your diet, it should still be consumed in moderation as it is high in calories and fat.
Bioflavonoid-Rich Foods: Green Tea
Green tea is one of the amazing bioflavonoid-rich foods to add to your diet if you want to improve your skin health. The catechins in green tea have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect against skin damage and improve skin health. In addition, green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of skin cancer. Try swapping your morning coffee for a cup of green tea or adding it to your smoothies for an extra boost of antioxidants.
Catechins
Green tea is not only a delicious and refreshing beverage, but it’s also a great source of bioflavonoids that can benefit your skin health. The catechins can help protect against skin damage caused by UV radiation and pollution. These compounds can also improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To incorporate more green tea into your diet, try swapping your morning coffee for a cup of green tea or adding it to your smoothies for an extra boost of antioxidants. You can also use green tea as a toner or face mist to soothe and hydrate your skin.
Bioflavonoid-Rich Foods: Red Wine
Red wine is another of the bioflavonoid-rich foods known for its antioxidant properties. It contains resveratrol – a compound found in red wine – which has been shown to protect against skin aging and improve overall skin health. However, it’s important to remember to drink red wine in moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect your health. So, stick to one glass a day for women and two glasses for men to reap the benefits of resveratrol without overdoing it on alcohol.
More bioflavonoids
In addition to resveratrol, red wine also contains other bioflavonoids, such as quercetin and catechins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Other bioflavonoid-rich foods include citrus fruits, berries, onions, and green tea. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help improve your overall health and protect against chronic diseases. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy snack or beverage, reach for some red wine or a bowl of berries to get your dose of bioflavonoids.
Bioflavonoid Supplementation
Although not classed as vitamins, bioflavonoids are are super antioxidants included in our 16 Essential Vitamins . Below is a complete list of the vitamins in these supplements. As you can see, our EV-16 supply 5 mg of bioflavonoids in case you miss out eating colorful bioflavonoid-rich foods.
Links:
Vitamin A; Vitamin B1; Vitamin B2; Vitamin B3; Vitamin B5; Vitamin B6; Vitamin B7; Vitamin B12; Vitamin C; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K
Synonymous terms: flavonoids supplements; flavonoids foods benefits; flavonoids benefits; flavonoids antioxidants