| What are bioflavonoids? No, it's not an annoying | | | | The American Heart Association feels that this |
| mascot for a pizza chain. It's not the latest race | | | | area of research is very promising. Their website |
| of alien beings from a new science fiction series, | | | | states, "Phytochemicals are chemicals found in |
| either. They are actually the natural pigments | | | | plants. Plant sterols, flavonoids and sulfur-containing |
| found in many different fruits and vegetables. | | | | compounds are three classes of micronutrients |
| Science is discovering that they may have | | | | found in fruits and vegetables. These compounds |
| numerous health benefits when it comes to brain | | | | may be important in reducing the risk of |
| function and the overall health of your circulatory | | | | atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty |
| system. | | | | deposits in artery walls." |
| Bioflavonoids are most commonly praised for their | | | | As far as healthy brain function is concerned, |
| antioxidant properties. They were first identified in | | | | bioflavonoid is thought to help with microcirculation |
| the 1930's by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Ph.D., a Nobel | | | | in small vessels throughout the body. You might |
| laureate. They are thought to prevent the | | | | recall seeing ginkgo biloba in the news. It has been |
| breakdown of vitamin C in the body, and they | | | | shown to improve memory with its powerful |
| also boast their own antioxidant capabilities. Over | | | | bioflavonoid in numerous studies. What makes |
| 5000 different bioflavonoids have been identified in | | | | ginkgo especially significant is that its bioflavonoids |
| nature. They are classified into categories including | | | | have a stronger potency than many other |
| flavones, anthocyanidins, flavones, flavonols, | | | | bioflavonoids, and it seems to have specific |
| isoflavones and flavans. Science is still discovering | | | | benefits in the capillary beds of the brain. |
| new types and their healing properties every day. | | | | The National Center for Biotechnology Information |
| The best part about them is that they are all | | | | recently reported the following on their website: |
| natural and very powerful. | | | | "Flavonoids were shown to activate key enzymes |
| For example, scientists have been promoting the | | | | in mitochondrial respiration and to protect neuronal |
| amazing benefits of the antioxidant found in dark | | | | cells by acting as antioxidants, thus breaking the |
| chocolate. It is called epicatechin, and it is an | | | | vicious cycle of oxidative stress and tissue |
| excellent bioflavonoid for heart health. Studies | | | | damage. Furthermore, recent data indicate a |
| show that it helps maintain healthy blood vessels. | | | | favorable effect of flavonoids on |
| Antioxidants in dark chocolate are also believed to | | | | neuro-inflammatory events." In other words, |
| lower high blood pressure, according to a study | | | | bioflavonoid is thought to help protect your brain |
| published in the Aug. 27, 2003 edition of The | | | | cells from degeneration, and recent data shows |
| Journal of the American Medical Association. | | | | that they may also reduce swelling. |
| Rutin and quecertin, both found in red grapes, are | | | | Researchers are eager to discover all the healing |
| also linked with a healthier circulatory system. A | | | | properties bioflavonoids possess. Modern medicine |
| study conducted at the University of Wisconsin in | | | | is now faced with an all natural group of chemicals |
| Madison in 1995 found that "the antioxidant and | | | | found in plant pigments that may prove to be |
| platelet inhibitory properties of other naturally | | | | effective in preserving brain function and |
| occurring compounds in the wine the consumption | | | | promoting cardiovascular health. This is fantastic |
| of flavonoid-containing foods and beverages may | | | | news for people that prefer natural supplements |
| retard atherogenesis and prevent thrombosis on a | | | | over expensive prescription pills. Current research |
| daily basis." Translated into common terms, the | | | | shows that these chemicals have significant |
| researchers concluded that bioflavonoid may slow | | | | powers for enhancing overall health. In fact, many |
| artery and vein degeneration and prevent blood | | | | researchers advocate including bioflavonoid |
| clotting. | | | | supplements in your daily health maintenance plan. |