Health Benefits of Flavonoids

Paper Summary:

The paper reviews current literature on the role of flavonoids in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. The paper reveals that a majority of current claims are based on in-vitro and animal studies. The paper concludes, therefore, that although a diet containing a high level of fruits and vegetables will result in generally better health, there is not yet sufficient evidence to make the assertions that permeate articles regarding the benefits of flavonoids in combating serious diseases.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What are Flavonoids?
Structure and Mechanisms
Pharmacology
Potential Health Benefits
USDA Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The benefits or eating a diet rich in vegetables has long been considered to play a major role in the maintenance of health and in the prevention of disease. However, the mechanism responsible for these benefits was not known. Research into flavonoids stemmed from this interest in answering the question of why diets rich in fruits and vegetables are so vital to health. In addition to eating large numbers of fruits and vegetables, nutritionists have also touted the benefits of including as many different colors as possible into the fruit and vegetable blend. We now suspect that this advice may be well-founded. The solution may be found in compounds called flavonoids, which may be a part of the mechanisms used by the body to fight disease."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Higdon, L. Flavonoids. Micronutrient information center. 2007. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/flavonoids/
• Manach C, Scalbert A, Morand C, Remesy C, Jimenez L. Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79(5):727-747.
• Mullie, P., Clarys, P., Deriemaeker, P. Hebbelinck, M. Estimation of Daily Human Intake. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 62:93-98. 2007.
• Heijnen CG, Haenen GR, van Acker FA, van der Vijgh WJ, Bast A. Flavonoids as peroxynitrite scavengers: the role of the hydroxyl groups. Toxicol In Vitro. 2001;15(1):3-6. (PubMed)
• Chun OK, Kim DO, Lee CY. Superoxide radical scavenging activity of the major polyphenols in fresh plums. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(27):8067-8072. (PubMed)

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