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