Flavonoids and phenolic acids are polyphenols produced in plants as secondary metabolites. Within plant tissue they have important functions and help to protect the plants from environmental damage and pathogens. Consuming diets high in flavonoids and phenolic acid containing plants may improve the health of humans. The Himalayan region is a region rich in plants that have medicinal properties, and some of these medicinal effects may stem from the concentrated flavonoids and phenolic acids in these plants. However the overall health effects of the plants may vary considerably depending on the phytochemistry of the plants. For example Olea ferruginea has been shown to possess high levels of flavonoid and phenolic acids compared to other Himalayan species. However, Tilia europaea has been shown to possess significantly greater antioxidant effects. Therefore it is difficult to predict the antioxidant effects and therefore the medical usefulness of plants based on total antioxidant content alone.
Eat Well, Stay Heal;thy, Protect Yourself
RdB
