Flavonoids: Antioxidants Help the Mind

You probably know about the powerful antioxidant properties of vitamins C, and E, and beta carotene. But there's another group of antioxidants receiving a lot of attention lately; their names are less pronounceable, but their health benefits are at least as powerful.

Quercitin, kaempferol, and epigallocatechin might never become household words, but they are already household ingredients. They are just three among over 4,000 compounds classified as flavonoids. Naturally occurring plant pigments, flavonoids are one of the reasons fruits and vegetables are so good for you. Among the many benefits attributed to flavonoids are reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and stroke. They may play a special role in protecting the brain.

Flavonoids, like other antioxidants, do their work in the body by corralling cell-damaging free radicals and metallic ions. But flavonoids go beyond the yeoman work of your average antioxidant. Scientists have found that certain flavonoids have antihistamine, antimicrobial, memory- and even mood-enhancing properties.

Food scientist Alyson Mitchell, Ph.D., who studies flavonoids at UC Davis, is optimistic about the salutary power of these compounds: "The current hope of scientists is to discover exactly what flavonoids should be eaten in what amounts to fight specific diseases."

Scientists already have some proof that antioxidants protect against and even reverse the cognitive declines seen from aging. The brain is especially subject to attack from free radicals of oxygen, as it is extremely metabolically active and the body's largest consumer of oxygen. Yet, it is deficient in free radicals to start with. Cumulative damage from free radicals occurs across the board but is especially implicated in memory decline, slowing of body movements and the fatigue, irritability, and mood disturbance that mark depression.

Flavonoids are present in myriad fruits and veggies, common and uncommon, but some sources are better than others. In general, the more deeply-hued the plant, the more flavonoids it provides. Fortunately, you don't have to eat brussels sprouts (they have a low flavonoid content) to get your flavonoid fix. Some potent flavonoid sources may even be on your favorite foods list. Good sources of various flavonoids include:

Apples- Quercetin is the flavonoid that enables apples to keep the doctor away. Quercetin has been shown to reduce cancer risk, prevent heart attacks, stave off cataracts, control asthma, prevent recurrent gout attacks, and speed healing from acid reflux.

Green Tea- Green tea contains, among others, the cancer-fighting flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC). ECGC is unique in that it seems to battle cancer at all stages, from thwarting chemical carcinogens, to suppressing the spread of tumors. ECGC is as much as 100 times more powerful an antioxidant as vitamin C, and 25 times more powerful than vitamin E. ECGC also may account for the antibacterial properties of green tea.

Chocolate- Chocolate contains many of the same flavonoids found in tea. The darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids present. Cocoa powder is the richest source by weight, and to maximize your benefits, make your hot chocolate from scratch. Homemade hot chocolate will provide you with more flavonoids than a store-bought mix.

Red Wine- Flavonoids are the source of the well-known "French Paradox" -- the ability of the French to consume lots of fat-laden cheese without dropping like flies from heart attacks. The red wine they enjoy is flavonoid-rich, which lowers their risk of heart disease. And if you're not a drinker, you can get almost all the same benefits from purple grape juice.

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Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for the prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have and/or suspect you might have a health problem, are pregnant and/or nursing.