Flavonoids are a fascinating group of phytochemicals found in numerous fruits, vegetables, and grains. They belong to the large family of polyphenols and are known for their antioxidant properties and beneficial health effects.
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids are bioactive compounds that protect plants from pests, UV radiation, and environmental stress. They can offer a variety of health benefits to the human body. Examples include immune system support and protection against free radicals.
In some plants, you can tell that they contain high levels of flavonoids by their strong color.
Subgroups
Flavonoids can be divided into several subgroups.
- Flavonols: Found in onions, kale, and broccoli. Quercetin is a well-known flavonol with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flavones: Found primarily in parsley and celery. They have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flavanones: Found in citrus fruits. Hesperidin and naringenin support heart health.
- Flavanols (catechins): Particularly common in green tea and dark chocolate. They promote blood circulation and support brain function.
- Anthocyanins: Responsible for the intense color of berries, red cabbage, and grapes. They have strong antioxidant effects. Anthocyanidins are part of the anthocyanins and contain the color component.
- Isoflavones: Mainly found in soybeans and known for their hormone-regulating effects.
- Other flavonoids: Rutin, bioflavonoids
Occurrence
Flavonoids occur naturally in many plants. Particularly rich sources include:
- Berries such as blueberries and raspberries
- Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit
- Green leafy vegetables (i.e. spinach, basil)
- Red wine and cocoa
- Tea, especially green and black tea
Fun Fact – Nature's Color Sources
Did you know that flavonoids are responsible for many of the intense colors in fruits and vegetables? The more intense the color, the more flavonoids it often contains.
This is a clever trick of nature: The striking colors attract pollinators while simultaneously protecting the plant from UV radiation and oxidation processes.
Many plants that contain high levels of anthocyanidins (e.g., blueberries, currants, red cabbage, grapes) also have high levels of other flavonoids.
Our Products
We have put together a few products for you that contain particularly high levels of flavonoids. Please contact us for a free quote.