Nutrient: flavonoids

Onion

by

Onion is a good source of fibers called fructans which act as prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the guts. Therefore it is beneficial for gut flora and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Onion is rich in sulfur compounds and flavonoid antioxidants, especially quercetin. Quercetin reduces symptoms of bladder infections, is good for prostate health and lowers blood pressure and risk of cancer. The main benefits of onion include blood sugar regulation and fighting diabetes, increasing bone density for osteoporosis prevention and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Lime

by

Lime is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, especially flavonoids and can be easily added to the diet, either in form of salad dressings or by squeezing a few drops in drinking water. Thanks to its antioxidant and vitamin C levels, lime is good for skin health and promotes collagen production. Due to high acidity, it can improve digestion and help with constipation treatment. Another benefit of citric acid is helping metabolism and weight management and like other citrus fruits, lime can reduce risk of kidney stones. Drinking warm water with lime juice can help relieve reflux symptoms.

Pecan

by

Pecan has distinctive buttery texture and slightly sweet, but bitter taste, making it used mostly in desserts and salads. Together with macadamia nut, it is highest in fat content among all nuts and is particularly rich in copper and manganese. Monounsaturated fats together with phenolic antioxidants promote heart health and lower cholesterol levels. Like other nuts, pecan is packed with fiber and if consumed in moderation, promotes fullness and benefits weight management. Fiber content keeps digestive system healthy and prevents constipation. Pecan is rich in antioxidant ellagic acid that can protect from certain cancer forms. Magnesium levels provide anti-inflammatory benefits and lower blood pressure. Pecan can also slow down skin ageing, thanks to ellagic acid, vitamin A and E. Combination of different nutrients, mainly zinc, makes pecan great immunity booster. Among other nutrients, it also contains iron and significant amounts of flavonoids. Low sugar levels make it an excellent choice for diabetes prevention and management and slowing down blood sugar spikes.

Macadamia

by

Macadamia nut is native to Australia and has buttery, creamy texture. Like other nuts, it contains loads of healthy monounsaturated fats, making it beneficial for heart health and lowering cholesterol levels. It is rich in antioxidants fighting inflammation, especially flavonoids, as well as vitamin E. Palmitoleic acid or omega-7 fatty acid found in these nuts is good for skin and hair growth, heart health, prevents high blood pressure and diabetes and promotes fullness. Like other nuts, it aids weight management due to high protein and fiber and low carbohydrate content. Despite high fat content, some of the fats don’t get absorbed during digestion.

Apricot

by

Apricot is a great plant based source of vitamin A. That makes it beneficial for eye health and prevention of night blindness. It is also rich in potassium and contains good amount of fiber, helping the digestion. Beta carotene and flavonoids are also present in apricots, reducing inflammation and risk of diabetes and heart disease. Thanks to vitamin C and beta carotene, it can also protect skin again sunburns. It is a good snacking choice after exercising due to high water and potassium intake. Apricot also supports bone health, since it contains not only calcium but also potassium, which is needed for proper absorption of calcium. Due to presence of both iron and vitamin C necessary for iron absorption, apricot can help with anemia treatment.

Lemon

by

Lemon is a good source of flavonoids and vitamin C and easy to incorporate in the diet. Compounds found in lemon can reduce cholesterol and it is considered a great addition for weight loss. Rich in citric acid, lemon can prevent kidney stones. Its main fiber is pectin, improving digestive health. In order to use this benefit, it is necessary to eat the lemon pulp, not just the juice. Since lemon contains decent amount of iron and vitamin C that helps its absorption, it can be consumed as part of anemia treatment. Drinking lemon water can lower blood pressure.

Pineapple

by

Pineapple is the only food containing enzyme bromelain that helps with digestion and breaking down the proteins. That makes it a great choice for people with pancreas condition that causes lack of capability to produce these enzymes in our bodies. Thanks to bromelain, after surgeries, pineapple can be consumed as part of the diet to speed up the recovery process and to repair damaged muscle tissues and wound healing, as well as burns. Bromelain is also believed to reduce pain in people suffering from arthritis (inflammation of the joints). Pineapple is rich in antioxidants (especially flavonoids), vitamin C and manganese. It boosts overall immunity and reduces inflammation.

Blueberry

by

Blueberries are very low in calories and are incredibly nutrient-dense. They are considered to be the richest food in antioxidants among all fruits and vegetables. They contain mainly flavonoids, more specifically anthocyanins giving them their deep blue color. Antioxidant properties of blueberries help reduce DNA damage and therefore slow down aging and have anti-cancer effect on our body. They are also believed to be mood boosters. Blueberries help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and protect our heart. They have low glycemic index and are an excellent choice for people with diabetes and can be consumed as a prevention against this health issue. Lastly, they improve cognitive performance and brain health.

Cabbage

by

Cabbage is low in starch and high in fiber, which, together with low glycemic index make it an excellent choice for diabetes treatment. It also contains anthocyanins, especially found in red cabbage, that help reduce blood sugar levels and keep heart healthy. Although it can cause excessive gas, it is very high in vitamins K and C and antioxidants like polyphenols. It is good for digestion and lowering cholesterol levels. Cabbage is one of the best medicines for inflammation and promotes gut health, especially in fermented form or as famous ‘kimchi’.

Contact us at contact@vitaminbase.eu or use the form below:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates!