Berries are a good source of bioflavenoids: anti-inflammatory properties make them good for blood vessels and overall health.

Ma Veronica Antazo

Phytonutrients are forms of protective, immune-boosting and disease-preventing nutrients produced by plants. Phytonutrients protect the plants from bacteria, viruses, diseases, excessive heat, drought, ultraviolet rays and pollutants in air, soil and water. They also aid in plants’ recovery from injuries. When humans consume phytonutrients, we absorb the same health benefits they provide to plants.

In this modern world, almost everything we consume contains food enhancers and preservatives that interact with and damage the body’s cells. These create a destructive process that can cause instability in the cells called free radicals. Damaged cells cause healthy cells to become damaged, too. This chain reaction causes cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Pollution in the air creates free radicals that can cause lung cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Phytonutrients have antioxidant properties that repair damaged cells caused by free radicals. They aid in cell regeneration and protect the cells from further damage. Healthy cells boost the immune system that prevents infection, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and creates an overall well being.

Antioxidants in phytonutrients can be found in fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of vitamins A, C and E. These are powerful detoxifying vitamins that eliminate free radicals. They can be found in pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, turnips, barley, whole wheat, broccoli, mustard, cauliflower, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, asparagus, bell pepper and green leafy vegetables. Fruits are rich sources of Vitamin C: guava, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, lemon, melon, orange, pineapple, pommels, blackberries, strawberries and watermelon. Olive oil, canola oil, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seed, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, avocado and dandelions contain Vitamin E that fights bad cholesterol and helps in maintaining normal blood pressure. They are rich in fatty acids that keep the brain cells healthy and give a beautiful glow on the skin.

Bioflavenoids are a form of phytonutrients that have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. They are proven to strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and enhance liver and brain function. They prevent infection, gum disease, dental cavities, cancer, heart disease and stroke and they provide relief from asthma and allergies. Hesperidin is a form of biolfavenoid that blocks histamine, thus reducing allergic reactions and asthma. It lowers blood cholesterol and fights carcinogens that can cause cancer and tumours. It also aids in healing wounds. Its highest concentration is found in the peel and membranes of oranges and lemons.

Rutin is another form of bioflavenoid that is found in apple peel, buckwheat and black tea. It strengthens capillaries and prevents arteriosclerosis, a condition wherein the arteries are hardened and blocked. Quercetin is another powerful anti- oxidant and anti-histamine under the family of bioflavenoids. It is found in grapes, buckwheat, blueberries, green leafy vegetables and olive oil.

Phytonutrients are rich in nature's wonders in healing and preventing diseases. Eat more variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to acquire the health benefits and balanced nutrients. Phytonutrients are essential for a healthy, stronger and more beautiful body.