Flavonoids
Flavonoid refers to any large group of plant substances that include the anthocyanins. Anthocyans are water-soluble pigments that are responsible for colors found in different plants. Anthocyans can range from violet and blue to most shades of red. They can also be found in tea and red wine and function in the body as antioxidants that invade cancer cells and interrupt cell growth.
Flavonoids improve memory and concentration and are powerful free radical scavengers that can boost the effectiveness of vitamin C in the antioxidant network, regulate nitric oxide, a potent free radical that is a regulator of blood flow and keeps your heart healthy in several important ways:
- Prevent blood clots
- Protect against oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Lowers high blood pressure
- Improve sexual function in men
- Reduces inflammation and bolster immune function
If you want to add a healthy dose of flavonoids to your diet, try making vegetable juice with a few added blueberries. Blueberries in particular have been rated number 1 in antioxidant capacity by the USDA. This should be more than sufficient to fortify your body with these health-promoting nutrients.
Experts have known for a long time that fiber has significant benefits; however, there has yet to be an official guideline as to how much we should ingest in our daily diets. But the Food and Drug Board has issued preliminary recommended levels for daily fiber intake. Some evidence suggests that fiber may help to promote weight control by controlling the appetite because fiber makes you feel satisfied longer. A proven fact: Fiber helps food and waste move through the digestive system, plus, some forms of fiber can help to carry excess cholesterol out of your digestive system so it is eliminated rather than absorbed in the blood.
