Flavonoids, Inflammation and Your Brain!

Our bodies have a tremendous need for the powerful plant chemicals in our food. These "phytochemicals" are so numerous and the specific functions they play in our health are understood to a relatively small degree. The natural process of inflammation is necessary for our body to deal with injury and foreign pathogens, but research is continually bringing us closer to understanding how abnormal levels of inflammation have a causative role in chronic disease. In addition to cancer and heart disease, the inflammatory mechanism of diseases of the brain are becoming better understood. And one of the most impactful prevention strategy lies in the incorporation of a diet rich in phytochemicals that quell this process gone awry.

Flavonoids are one such classification of phytonutrients that provide neuroprotective benefits, possibly as a means of primary prevention in a number of neurologic diseases. These antioxidants are found in significant quantities in berries, apples, tea, red wine, pure cocoa and citrus fruits. A new study through the Harvard School of Public Health examined the association between developing Parkinson's disease and the consumption of flavonoids. According to researcher Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, "Our findings suggest that flavonoids, specifically a group called anthocyanins, may have neuroprotective effects. Flavonoids may be a natural and healthy way to reduce your risk of developing Parkinson's disease." This study is significant in both the number of participants and the duration. It had over 100,000 participants that were followed for over 20 years. When the researchers delved further to assess the intake of the flavonoid sub-group, anthocyanins, both men and woman who consumed the largest quantities of these had a 22% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease than those that consumed the least. So how can you specifically find this healthful nutrient? It is found primarily in berries and apples. Enjoy the variety of these fruits that are available as a part of your daily intake of plant foods. They are very easy to incorporate, so add them to the weekly shopping list!