Youth, skin, cancer prevention: the extraordinary virtues of antioxidants on health
3. Red fruits. Red fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and even blueberries are particularly rich in quercetin flavonoids. These fruits also contain anthocyanins. All these substances have an antioxidant power which acts on aging and cancer prevention. Studies have also shown that eating a diet rich in berries helps prevent memory problems.
4. Garlic. Garlic rich in flavonoids and sulfur compounds exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Studies have shown that garlic has a positive effect on LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as certain cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction.
5. Apple. This fruit, which is widely consumed in Europe, is rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals and quercetin flavonoids. This molecule reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases (such as stroke) as well as prevents certain cancers such as that of the stomach or colon, lung or liver. The apple also contains catechins.
6. Dark chocolate. Perhaps the most well-known food when it comes to flavonoids. Dark chocolate contains in particular catechins, a powerful antioxidant, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that regular consumption of dark chocolate reduces the onset of certain heart diseases, has a favorable effect on cognitive functions and can even prevent type 2 diabetes. If possible, prefer dark chocolate, which is richer in flavonoids than other forms of chocolate (especially white).
7. Grapes and vines. This food or drink is also very well known among the population. Several studies have shown the value of flavonoids in wine for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Grapes are rich in catechins and, like dark chocolate, have favorable effects in preventing cardiovascular disease. You should also count on resveratrol, a famous polyphenol, found in red wine. We lend it a lot of quality as a prevention of cellular aging, against diabetes or to prevent cancer.
8. Spinach. Spinach and other green vegetables like arugula (rucola in Switzerland) are rich in flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Spinach in particular contains carotenoids, pigments with anti-tumor properties and helping to improve vision.
9. Broccoli. This vegetable is rich in flavonoids, which would in particular prevent lung cancer. Another molecule found in broccoli, sulforaphane, is believed to have a positive effect against osteoarthritis.
10. Onion. This widely consumed vegetable is also rich in flavonoids. Onion also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, in addition to the classic properties of the flavonoids mentioned above.
The list of foods or plants rich in flavonoids could be much longer, here are some plants containing these substances with powerful antioxidant effects: ginkgo, wormwood ( in herbal tea), passionflower, peppermint, artichoke, fenugreek, lime or white dead nettle.
One final tip, in general colorful fruits and vegetables are high in flavonoids, consider that when you go shopping.
