Let’s Talk About…Flavonoids by Eleni Seitis

Without good health, our bodies are compromised. Food is medicine and because foods contain thousands of phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemicals found in plants) that are biologically active in the body, they all have value in supporting health. Of the 90 essential nutrients that our bodies require for daily optimal health, some of the nutrients that often get neglected are flavonoids (or bioflavonoids).

Flavonoids (there are over 5000 known flavonoids/bioflavonoids) are powerful antioxidants known for their health-promoting qualities. They protect LDL cholesterol against oxidation and reduce blood platelet stickiness, making blood clots less likely. They also scavenge carcinogens (cancer causing agents), bind to nitrates in the stomach preventing conversion to nitrosamines, improve memory, repair DNA damage and inhibit cell proliferation. Some of the more famous flavonoids are quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, apigenin and chlorogenic acid.

Eating an abundance of flavonoid-containing foods in your diet will lower the risk of chronic diseases. The word flavonoid comes from the Latin word, flavus, meaning yellow. So, think of your yellow, orange, red, purple and blue foods such as capsicums, citrus fruits, all the berries, and grapes. Flavonoids are also found in whole grains, legumes, soybeans and soy products, celery, onions, garlic, oregano, black and green teas, chocolate, nuts, olives and olive oil and red wine, just to name a few sources. Healthy digestion plays a key role in the ability of the body to absorb flavonoids effectively.

Three flavonoids I’d like to focus on today are quercetin, myricetin and chlorogenic acid.

Quercetin and myricetin inhibit the initial process of inflammation, have antibacterial properties, protect DNA from oxidative damage and can reduce the body’s capacity to make glucose from non-carbohydrates such as fat and protein which can increase your overall blood glucose levels. Myricetin and quercetin both inhibit the transport of glucose and fructose (fruit sugar) to the muscles and fat cells of the body. Quercetin is also cardioprotective.

High quercetin levels are found in guava leaves, rosehips and capers, and in lesser amounts in lettuces, onions, asparagus and green tea. Whereas myricetin is found in cranberries, sweet potato leaves, blueberries and garlic.

Chlorogenic acid is found in coffee, wheat and some supplements such as Emulin 5. It is an effective antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial and lipid lowering effects. It also inhibits enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars thus increasing blood glucose levels.

For those with diabetes and taking Metformin (a drug that reduces blood glucose levels) increased benefits of lower blood glucose levels may be possible from supplementing with Emulin 5, the world’s first carbohydrate manager.

There is a role for supplements if your body is deficient in certain essential nutrients, or the co-factors which vitamins and minerals use to get into the cells of your body or make them function better.

I read a phrase the other day that said that “doctors must teach first, medicate later.” Since I’m learning to be a natural therapy doctor (I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Naturopathy and will study a Bachelor of Medicine later), this too is my motto. I’m a teacher. I love sharing my knowledge and skills with others and teaching them how to do the same for themselves and their families. This information is for you to help yourself to move closer towards better health and share your health journey with others.

Eleni Seitis is an Intuitive Healer, Bodywork Therapist and perpetual student of natural health. She works from her home at Redcliffe (and visits businesses to provide office massage). Contact her at eleni@oasishealthcentres.com.au to book an appointment or call on 0438 545 045. If you are interested in purchasing Emulin 5 then click the link here: https://bit.ly/Emulin5-Oasis

This information is not meant to diagnose, cure, fix or treat any diseases. Talk to your health professional prior to having supplementation, starting an exercise plan or dietary regime. Vitamins can only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.