Flavonoids are a group of plant-based compounds that are found in different foods.
Different types of flavonoids are found in various foods, and each one contributes a particular property and provides health benefits.
Flavonoids are known to prevent cancer, get rid of toxins in the body, and prevent chronic health conditions.
There are 6 types of flavonoids: flavonols, flavones, flavan-3-ol, flavanones, anthocyanidins, and isoflavones.
List of Top 10 Flavonoid Foods to Eat for Health Benefits
1. Onions
Onions are an essential food used in most dishes, some fast food items, and snacks. Onions are rich in flavanols.
Flavanols foods are best for their antioxidant properties and can reduce inflammation and manage symptoms of cardiovascular diseases.
Hence, people suffering from cardiovascular diseases should include onions in their diet.
2. Apples
Apples are very healthy food as they are packed with endless nutrients, some of which are the flavonoid; Flava-3-ol, Flavan-3-ol, as the name suggests ‘ol’ they belong to a chemical class of alcohols.
According to research studies on PubMed Central, Flavan-3-ol positively influences human health due to being antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possessing anti-thrombotic effects.
Due to these properties, flavan-3-ol is considered to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in consumers.
3. Red Peppers
Red pepper is recognized for its distinctive taste and shape. Red peppers contain lots of flavones.
These flavonoids are present in flowering plants and act as pesticides, keeping bugs away from the plant.
As well as human health is concerned according to a research study in PubMed Central, flavones are nutraceutical components, which means that they are natural bioactive compounds that have health-promoting and diseases preventing properties.
4. Oranges
Oranges are a delight to eat during the summers and make an excellent juice choice for breakfast.
Being tasty and packed with Vitamin C, oranges have many health benefits. But not only this, but oranges also contain flavanones.
A ketone of the flavonoids consists of many health benefits, including being anti-inflammatory. It may also aid you in weight loss and cholesterol management.
Apart from this, other citrus fruit such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit also contain flavanones.
5. Soybeans
Soybeans are used to make soy sauce, a famous condiment in the Chinese world that adds flavor to many dishes.
Soybeans contain the flavonoid: Isoflavones. Isoflavones provide the health benefit of keeping your hormones maintained and controlled, a significant benefit.
Other legumes may also contain isoflavones.
6. Cranberries
Cranberries come with various health benefits, mainly those related to the kidneys and urinary tract.
Cranberries contain the flavonoid; Anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are pigments present in the outer layer of flowers responsible for their red, blue, and purple color.
According to a study and sources on PubMed, Central Anthocyanins possess antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-obesity effects and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, giving this berry tons of health benefits.
7. Red and Purple Grapes
Both types of grapes are adored and are tasty. They also come with the advantage of containing anthocyanins.
As their outer skin is red and purple, the pigment responsible for the color would be anthocyanins
8. Kale
Kale is a green, leafy, cruciferous vegetable that is filled with nutrients. These nutrients offer a whole range of health benefits to the body. Among those nutrients is present flavanols.
These flavonoids prevent cells from undergoing oxidative damage, leading to severe diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
9. Cocoa and Chocolate Products
Our all-time favorite cocoa products have been in the lives of children, youngsters, and even adults and are a treat to eat.
Cocoa coupled with sugar, although it is harmful in large quantities; the cocoa itself has many health benefits.
And what we didn’t know all this time was that cocoa also contained a flavonoid; flavan-3-ol. Cocoa provides us the benefit of consuming this flavonoid and absorbing the health benefits associated with it.
10. Parsley
And last but not least, another condiment that is added or sprinkled or many dishes or taste and garnishing.
Either way, it isn’t just something for decorating but also contains the flavonoid; flavanone.
And whenever parsley is consumed, it gives us the convenience of anti-inflammatory benefits through this flavonoid.
Conclusion
Flavonoids are present in several foods, and all come with significant advantages. As you can see from the above article, the benefits from flavonoids to health are very worth taking.
The foods mentioned are sometimes neglected or not considered much important, or even in some places hated.
But let me assure you, these foods can bring lots of health benefits and the above articles state it all.