What are Flavonoids (also known as bioflavonoids): (from the
Latin word flavus, meaning yellow) are a class of plant and fungus secondary
metabolites. Flavonoids are various compounds found naturally in fruits and
vegetables. They’re also in plant products like wine, tea, and chocolate. There
are six different types of flavonoids found in food, and each kind is broken
down by our body in a different way. They are rich in antioxidant activity and
can help our body ward off every day toxins. Including more flavonoids in your
diet is a great way to help your body stay healthy and potentially decrease your
risk of some chronic health conditions
Basically, flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals)
found in almost all fruits and vegetables along with carotenoids, they are
responsible for the vivid colors in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are the
largest group of phytonutrients, with more than 6,000 types. Some of the
best-known flavonoids are quercetin and kaempferol.
Chemically, flavonoids have the general structure of a 15-carbon skeleton, which
consists of two phenyl rings (A and B) and a heterocyclic ring (C). This carbon
structure can be abbreviated C6-C3-C6. According to the IUPAC (International
Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry ) nomenclature, they can be classified into:
1. flavonoids or bioflavonoids
2. isoflavonoids, derived from 3-phenylchromen-4-one (3-phenyl-1,4-benzopyrone)
structure
3. neoflavonoids, derived from 4-phenylcoumarine (4-phenyl-1,2-benzopyrone)
structure
Function of Flavonoids in Plants :
Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants, fulfilling many functions.
Flavonoids are the most important plant pigments for flower coloration,
producing yellow or red/blue pigmentation in petals designed to attract
pollinator animals. In higher plants, flavonoids are involved in UV filtration,
symbiotic nitrogen fixation and floral pigmentation. They may also act as
chemical messengers, physiological regulators, and cell cycle inhibitors.
Flavonoids secreted by the root of their host plant help Rhizobia in the
infection stage of their symbiotic relationship with legumes like peas, beans,
clover, and soy. Rhizobia living in soil are able to sense the flavonoids and
this triggers the secretion of Nod factors, which in turn are recognized by the
host plant and can lead to root hair deformation and several cellular responses
such as ion fluxes and the formation of a root nodule. In addition, some
flavonoids have inhibitory activity against organisms that cause plant diseases,
e.g. Fusariumoxysporum.
Health Benefits of Flavonoids :
Flavonoids are part of the polyphenol class of phytonutrients. Polyphenols have
historically been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, Below are listed
health benefits of flavonoids :
1. Effective for weight loss.
2. Good for Cardio vascular disease prevention
3. Have antioxidant activity
4. Have anti-inflammatory effect
5. Possesses antibacterial activity
6. Good for Cancer prevention
7. Flavonoids are considered good for Diabetic patients
Dietary Sources of Flavonoids :
Followings are best dietary sources of flavonoids :
1. Parsley, Celery and other green and dried herbs
2. Tea
3. Berries
4. Citrus fruits
5. Cocoa
6. Nuts like peanuts
7. Red onion
8. Vegetables like kale and broccoli,
9. Beans
10. Grapes
11. Apples
12. Red peppers