Ingredient Spotlight: Flavonoids

Flavonoids — sounds like something from science fiction, like androids — but these naturally occurring plant chemicals are just colors that plants and fruits produce to protect themselves and to function properly. 

You might have heard Dr. Oz talk about quercetin but you might not have heard of kaempferol, yet these flavonoids have also been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Found in elderberries, apples, tea, strawberries, kale, grapes, citrus fruits, various spices and many other foods, flavonoids are naturally power-packed with goodness. 

Why Do We Need Flavonoids?

We need flavonoids in our bodies because they are antioxidants, which are essential nutrients required to keep us healthy. We are constantly exposed to free radical attacks such as radiation, chemicals and pesticides, and heavy metals. All of these things carry a positive charge and share the same hunger for our electrons, stealing them away from and damaging our tissues. This results in muscle damage and inflammation, making it difficult to recover lost muscle even under the strictest and most intense exercise regimen.

Essentially, the human body requires the presence of extra electrons that can effectively bind up or neutralize harmful free radicals in order to protect us from tissue damage and associated adverse health effects. Various plants, color-rich fruits and vegetables are loaded with flavonoids that can provide electrons. Plants, for instance, are sitting outside on a 24/7 basis, getting irradiated by the sun constantly. A plant therefore naturally develops a protection for itself from this radiation exposure.

Benefits of Flavonoids

Flavonoids benefit our bodies and overall health in many ways. When we get enough of them through our diet and supplementation, they can assist with weight management, inflammation relief and muscle recovery, combating cardiovascular disease through the prevention of unwanted platelet aggregation.

Flavonoids are also shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties. They are, too, highly effective at improving vascular function and mitigating risks associated with type 2 diabetes. In addition, they help to enhance our longevity by providing our bodies with the strength and immunity we need to combat adverse health risks. Of course, most of us take in only a fraction of the flavonoids that we need to remain healthy.

“A few years ago, we did some testing in our clinic, where we tested every patient that came in for a whole year for levels of carotenoids. These are the flavonoid chemicals from colored fruits and vegetables in our bodies,” Dr. Minkoff states. “We know the people who have low levels of antioxidants in their bodies have more problems with gum disease, heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

“After measuring every patient for a year, we discovered that a normal carotenoid level was 50 or above, and only those who were juicing on a regular basis had 50 or more. The average was 18, which is a big gap compared to 50. The average child had a level of 12 because most children don’t eat many colored fruits and vegetables.”

Supplements are Ideal for Those with Low Carotenoid Levels

Dr. Minkoff’s studies and published research indicate that those with carotenoid levels of 50 or more are either eating between eight and twelve servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis or are juicing. By opting for a natural supplement rich in carotenoids and introducing it to our system, we can meet the recommended daily intake with relative ease.