Fight Cancer And Strengthen Your Immune System With The Flavonoids

The flavonoids are a group of health boosting, plant based nutrients that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Although they are not classed as essential nutrients, they are highly beneficial to your body and can keep it safe from various diseases whilst supporting numerous important functions. In this article I discuss 3 of the flavonoids in greater detail, outline the best food sources and explain how they can boost your health.

1) ANTHOCYANINS

The anthocyanins are a berry based flavonoid. Bilberries, blackberries, blueberries, chokeberries, cranberries and red raspberries are all excellent sources. Berries are a relatively easy food to incorporate into your diet and can be eaten on their own as a healthy snack or mixed with yogurt to create a nutritious breakfast or desert.

By eating more berries you can take advantage of a wide range of anthocyanin health benefits. These powerful flavonoids are anti-inflammatories (substance that prevent unnecessary inflammation within the human body), antioxidants (substances that can protect your body's cells from the harmful free radicals which are released during oxygen related reactions) and antitoxics (substances that fight dangerous toxins within your body). They can also prevent cancer (a disease that causes your cells to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way) and diabetes (a disease which causes your blood glucose levels to become extremely high).

2) COUMESTANS

The coumestans are mainly found in beans and peas with alfalfa, green peas and soya beans all considered good sources. The good news is that peas can be added to almost any dish with casseroles, curries and roast meats all going well with peas.

In terms of health benefits, the coumestans are phytoestrogens (substances that regulate estrogen levels within the body and prevent them from becoming dangerously high) and can also prevent cancer.

3) FLAVONES

The flavones are mainly found in herbs, spices and green leafy vegetables with parsley and thyme both containing high levels of these flavonoids. Herbs and spices can be sprinkled on almost any savoury dish to give it a unique flavour and a healthy dose of flavones.

By adding the flavones to your food you can boost your health in many ways. These flavonoids are powerful antihistamines (substances that counteract the effects of histamines and reduce allergic reactions), anti-inflammatories and antispasmodics (substances that prevent muscle spasms). They also protect against brain damage, cancer, diabetes and respiratory disorders. In addition to this, they keep your blood healthy by preventing atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form within your artery walls) and reducing blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (a type of cholesterol that causes blockages within the arteries).