For those who have been hearing a lot about bioflavonoids, it might be helpful to know a little bit more about these relatively unfamiliar nutrients. Bioflavonoids are present in a lot of plant foods and extracts. Fresh fruits and vegetables have their share, as do many traditional medicinal herbs. Bioflavonoids can be part of an active raw food diet, or taken as dietary supplements. These powerful health boosters have a range of positive effects on the body.
Antioxidant Values
One of the main and primary values of bioflavonoids is their antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants are natural elements that combat free radicals and harmful elements that circulate through the body. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are advertised as powerhouses of nutrition because they include a lot of antioxidants, which can help fight off infections, inflammation, viruses, and some types of chronic disease.
Bioflavonoids have a relatively high antioxidant value as compared to other foods and supplements. Scientists have also showed that bioflavonoids can actually combine with vitamin C for a specific antioxidant effect: the bioflavonoids can apparently protect the vitamin C nutrient from oxidizers inside the body. It is a kind of preservative for helpful chemicals that can help the body's immune system and fight off chronic conditions.
Other Health Benefits
Some nutritional experts have made a lot out of the capacity of bioflavonoids in preventing cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is one condition that bioflavonoids can help prevent. Overall, having a significant amount of bioflavonoids in a regular diet can contribute to better heart health, preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Beyond a cardiovascular role, some health experts believe that bioflavonoids show promise in warding off certain types of cancers, in that the antioxidant value and other elements of these chemicals can sometimes suppress some forms of dangerous cell mutation or errant cell-building activity.
In addition to the important claims of bioflavonoids effectiveness as anti-carcinogens and vascular health aides, there are some other peripheral health benefits to getting enough of these nutritional elements. One is dental health: bioflavonoids are thought to be useful in improving tooth and gum health on a long-term basis.
All of the above claims about bioflavonoids support what lots of nutritionists have known for a long time. It all leads back to skipping the processed foods or "middle of the supermarket" prepared items and choosing from fresh fruits and vegetables. It's also a good idea to buy locally and in-season in order to get the most powerful antioxidant effect from the natural bounty of the earth, rather than choosing a diet that is high in the kinds of unhealthy fats and sugars that often accompany a processed diet. Eating well doesn't have to be time and labor intensive--simple salads can substitute for frozen entrees without a lot of hours spent in preparation. Think about adding natural, organic fruits and vegetables to your diet.
