Flavonoids as Natural Antioxidants: Protecting Cells from Oxidative Damage

  • Jun 20, 2024

Flavonoids are a group of over 5,000 complex phenolic compounds found in plants, such as vegetables and fruits, and plant products, such as tea, wine, and chocolate. They usually lend taste and color to the plant, protect enzyme and vitamin content, and prevent fat oxidation. The six flavonoid types include:
 

  • Flavanols are the most abundant type of flavonoid, found in kale, onions, peaches, berries, tea, grapes, red wine, lettuce, broccoli, and tomatoes.
  • Flavan-3-ols, or catechins: Present in apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, cocoa and chocolate products, and various teas.
  • Flavones are compounds that lend white and blue flowering plants their pigments while protecting insects. They are among the most potent flavonoids and may help protect the body from inflammation. They are contained in chamomile, peppermint, celery, parsley, and red peppers.
  • Flavanones occur primarily in citrus fruits. They are also anti-inflammatory and may assist in cholesterol and weight management.
  • Isoflavones are found in soy products and some legumes. These compounds may contribute to hormone balance.
  • Anthocyanins give purple, red, and blue flowers their color pigments and are found in the skin of blue, red, or blackberries, grapes, and red wine.

All flavonoids help the body combat free radicals caused by oxidative stress while also promoting cellular activity regulation. Oxidation is a natural process resulting from day-to-day activities such as exercise and external factors like smoking and pollution.
 
However, free radicals can contribute to organ and tissue damage if not counter-balanced with antioxidants. Over time, this harm can lead to numerous chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, strokes and heart attacks.
 
These powerful antioxidants help the body soothe unpleasant and damaging inflammatory reactions by scavenging, sweeping, and neutralizing cells of harmful molecules and invasive elements such as allergens.
 
Flavonoids for Wellness
Awareness of the value of flavonoids is acknowledged in several diet plans, including the following:
 

  • The healthful, brain and heart specialist-recommended Mediterranean
  • Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND)
  • Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating patterns.

All three diets prioritize flavonoid-packed vegetables, beans, fruit, and nuts.
 
A 2018 Bevindustry.com article reports that 71% of baby boomers, 73% of Gen-Xers, and 66% of millennials actively seek antioxidants1. At the same time, only around one in every ten Americans eat enough fruit and vegetables to get sufficient flavonoids. This lack is lifestyle and accessibility-related2.
 
Happily, there are ways to consume these critical metabolites conveniently and pleasurably. In the US, manufacturers embrace the benefits of flavonoids, mainly in dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages.
 
Drinking Flavonoid Extracts for Health
Leveraging flavonoids for functionality is on the rise. According to DataM Intelligence, the flavonoid ingredient market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% to 2030, with anthocyanins comprising the most significant share3. At the same time, the functional beverages category is forecast to increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.90%4.
 
Makers extract these vital antioxidants from raw sources using cutting-edge contemporary techniques. These advanced approaches help preserve the nutrient’s efficacy while respecting the environment. Likewise, Advanced Biotech offers 100% natural, responsibly sourced, and produced flavor and aroma ingredients to help you elevate your flavonoid-containing functional beverages to leading brand status.
 
Make the Most of Flavonoids With Advanced Biotech’s Pure Flavors and Aromas
Our EU-certified and comprehensively documented taste and odor extracts help add to or mask basic formulations. The enhancement makes consuming antioxidants and other water-soluble nutrients in functional beverage offerings highly palatable. Choose from distillates, absolutes, oleoresins, and other extracts.
 
Take advantage of Advanced Biotech’s superior-quality ingredients today. Contact us to place your order, try some samples, or discuss a custom solution.

1 https://straitsresearch.com/report/flavonoids-market
2 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7101a1.htm
3 https://www.datamintelligence.com/research-report/flavonoids-market
4 https://www.americaninternationalfoods.com/2024/01/29/2024-beverage-trends/