Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids enhance the action of Vitamin C and for this reason they should be taken together.
Bioflavonoids are effectively used in the treatment of sport injuries as they are pain relieving. They may also be used in relieving pain in the legs, across the back and can lessen the symptoms of prolonged bleeding, a low serum calcium as well as oral herpes.
If a diet contains enough fruit and vegetables, bioflavonoids should not be deficient, but deficiency would show up as bruising.
Where antioxidants are indicated and none present bioflavonoids could be of help, as well as iron deficiency, since it helps with the absorption of iron.
As antioxidants, some bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, protect LDL-cholesterol from oxidative damage. Others, such as the anthocyanidins from bilberry, may help protect the lens of the eye from cataracts. Preliminary evidence suggests that some bioflavonoids, such as naringenin, may have anticancer activity.
Bioflavonoids are a large class of antioxidants abundant in the pulp and rinds of citrus fruits and other vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, grapes, garlic, green tea, buckwheat, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, kiwi fruit and strawberries. In addition, OPCs, or oligomeric proanthocyanidins, are found in grape seeds and skins, and quercetin is found in many foods, including onions, tea, and apples.
