Tuesday 21 August 2012

Flavanoids

Flavanoids are a class of secondary metabolites derived from plants. [Secondary metabolites are those which are not directly involved in growth and reproduction, but whose absence may result in impairment of organisms' survivability and fecundity].

Flavonoids are said to have antioxidants, anti-allergicanti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-diarrheal properties

Consumers and food manufacturers have become interested in flavonoids for their possible medicinal properties, especially their putative role in inhibiting cancer or cardiovascular disease. Although physiological evidence is not yet established, the beneficial effects of fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine have sometimes been attributed to flavonoid compounds.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_metabolite

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