A Review of Potential Health Benefits of Flavonoids

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Date
2008-06
Authors
Patel, Jay M.
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Publisher
Lethbridge Undergraduate Research Journal
Abstract
Flavonoids occur naturally in fruit, vegetables, and beverages such as tea and wine and over 4000 structurally unique flavonoids have been identified in plant sources. Plants and spices containing flavonoids have historically been used in traditional eastern medicine. Research in the field of flavonoids has increased since the discovery of the French paradox i.e. the low cardiovascular mortality rate observed in Mediterranean populations in association with red wine consumption and a high saturated fat intake. The aim of this review is to obtain a further understanding on the reported beneficial health effects of these substances and discuss the action of flavonoids as antioxidants. The major actions of flavonoids are those against cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, viruses, inflammation, osteoporosis, diarrhea and arthritis. Brief description about the disease causing effect of free radicals is given and ways by which flavonoids neutralize free radicals has also been mentioned.
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Keywords
Flavonoids
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