What Are Flavonoids And Why Should They Matter To You?

By Kathleen Hall


There are so many books, articles, and spokespeople recommending so many different kinds of diets and menu plans, most people don't know what to believe about food. It is often hard to tell whether or not you should eat meat at all, and if you do, what kind and how often. It is pretty much accepted that you need plenty of water to stay hydrated. The majority of individuals understand processed food and fast food aren't good for them, and many realize the importance of daily portions of fruits and vegetables. Nutritionists generally say plant foods high in flavonoids should be your first choice, but they don't always tell you why.

Sometimes when people hear a word associated with food that has a scientific ring to it, their eyes glaze over. There are so many buzzwords surrounding what we eat, it is confusing and discouraging to sort them out. This term simply means a nutrient family with hundreds of close relatives. You can find them in the fruits and vegetables you eat, and green tea is loaded with them.

There all kinds of fruits and vegetables to choose from. If you are lucky enough to be able to purchase fresh and organic produce, so much the better. When shoppers select these items today, many of them look for color when it comes to making smart choices. The more colorful the food is, the better it is for you. You may not realize it when you make your purchases, but that beautiful color is the direct of result of a high nutritional content.

These nutrients have a number of health benefits associated with them. For one thing they are high in antioxidants. It is a little complicated to explain, but when oxidants get into our body they can change molecules and create free radicals. Too many free radicals can cause a lot of problems unless they are kept in check.

There are studies that find they encourage good cholesterol and help strengthen the heart's blood vessel walls There are other studies that suggest adding a mixture of nutrient rich herbs such as rosemary, garlic, and oregano, to meat can be beneficial.

Another benefit to your heart, as well as the rest of your body, is the anti inflammatory aspect. It may seem obvious that inflammation is not a good thing. When it occurs in a wound or causes some kind skin rash, you can actually see what damage it can do. It will do the same kind of damage inside your body unless you do something to keep it in check.

The extent to which these nutrients help lower the risk of cancer is still up for debate. Many in the scientific community believe that their anti inflammatory and oxidizing properties can be beneficial in avoiding cancerous cell activity. These nutrients have been proven to be excellent detoxification agents, and this can also be helpful fighting cancer cells. Most scientists agree that more study and research is necessary to determine how this dynamic really works.

Establishing a healthy eating pattern and sticking to it is a wonderful example to set for your children. Everyone enjoys an occasional sinful treat, but healthy and balanced meals should be the norm.




About the Author:



No comments :

Post a Comment