Flavonoids - essential nutrients for human health

Flavonoids are plant substances that are actively used as drugs in the official and folk medicine. Penetrating into the human body, they affect the activity of certain enzymes.

The ability of flavonoids to delay aging and not proven, but the fact that eating foods containing large amounts of flavonoids, can only be of benefit, it is possible to assert safely! The more that fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids, also rich in vitamins, cellulose fibers, pectin substances, and must include in the daily diet.

The study, conducted by experts from the Medical research Foundation and the University of Western Australia, found that the flavonoid quercetin reduces the risk of cardiovascular ailments.


Once in the body, flavonoids quickly metabolized by methylation or glucuronidation processes that can alter their biological activity. The effect of quercetin on the function of endothelial cells depends in part on the monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) - the key enzyme of cellular energy homeostasis, influencing the oxidation of fatty acids. According to scientists, AMPK is a sensor of cellular energy, which reacts to stressful situations and potentially protects cells from damage. The enzyme present in the cells of various types and is involved in many signaling pathways. At the moment, the exact mechanism of how quercetin and other flavonoids act on AMPK not entirely clear.




As the researchers found that quercetin and its metabolites can stimulate the activation AMPK and endothelial synthase nitric oxide in the endothelial cells of human aorta and lead to increased concentrations of C-nitrosothiols and nitrite in the culture medium for cell cultures. Nitric oxide is an important vasodilator factor that is required for the normal functioning of blood vessels. Quercetin also protects blood vessels from endothelial dysfunction caused by hypochlorous acid in isolated arteries.




Scientists also have information about what other dietary flavonoids can reduce blood pressure and inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. In the future they intend to study the effect of different combinations of flavonoids on cardiovascular health and to evaluate the effectiveness of flavonoids from different food sources.

According to media

Author:

Overlook

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