Flavonoids
are a hot new thing when discussing food as one of the approaches to a
healthier life. And, with good
reason! We are finally realizing that
when our mothers and grandmothers told them us to “eat our veggies”, those were
words of wisdom. It may have sounded
like humdrum chatter but there is growing evidence that those before us knew
what they were talking about. I believe
that God gave us everything that we need to sustain life in the healthiest way
possible and then man took it, destroyed it and called it “good” food. Unfortunately, we are now paying the price
since poor health is an epidemic in American.
Fortunately, we are waking up and realizing that it is time for us to go
to the way of our elders and eat whole food.
So,
back to the topic of flavonoids.
Basically, what we know is that thousands of plants species including
fruits, vegetables and herbs are loaded with flavonoids that are essential to the
lifecycle of the plant. We continue to read
about the powerhouse of nutrients flavonoids provide. Some of the benefits touted by supporters
include the delivery of superior antioxidants, anti-histamine,
anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, triglyceride and cholesterol
lowering, cardiovascular supporting, nervous system supporting, osteoporosis
supporting, menopause supporting, detoxification supporting, free-radical
reducing, etc.
Flavonoids
are talked about often in the mast cell community because a few of them in
particular are used as mast cell stabilizers.
The three we hear the most about are Quercetin, Rutin, and Luteolin. These
three flavonoids used both separately and together are providing stabilizing
benefits for many mast cell sufferers.
Like most flavonoids, they have a low toxicity measurement therefore
making them a powerhouse of support for both animals and humans. However, as with anything we masties consume,
some may tolerate these flavonoids better than other. I cannot take Quercetin in a supplement form
but eat foods that contain high amounts of it.
I have not tried Rutin or Luteolin yet as I’m trying to stabilize from a
year of mast cell hell but some swear by it.
Food SourcesAlmost all fruits, vegetables, herbs and some dry beans and grains contain flavonoids. The more colorful the food, the higher the flavonoid content. Some common foods include apples, onions, grapes, wine, spinach, tea, tomatoes, cauliflower, nectarines, and asparagus
Quercetin
seems to be discussed the most often as it a number of whole foods. It reduces histamine and inflammation in the
body. An excellent source of reference
describing several benefits and an extensive list of foods containing Quercetin
with gram content can be found at http://www.quercetin.com/overview/food-chart.
Rutin
rich foods include buckwheat, amaranth leaves, elderflower tea, unpeeled
apples, unfermented rooibos tea, figs, asparagus, and citrus fruits.
Luteolin
rich foods include artichoke, basil, capsicum, carrots, celery, celery seed,
chamomile, chili peppers, juniper berries, lemon, olive oil, oregano, parsley, peppermint, radicchio, rosemary,
thyme.
SupplementsDr. Theo Theoharide M.D. PhD, a Tufts University Mast Cell Expert, has developed a supplement called NeuroProtek that contains all three ingredients delivered in olive oil kernel which seems to be the ideal delivery method for effective absorption. I have never tried this supplement as I’m having problems with the Quercetin on its own however there are many people in the mast cell community that are using these supplements with great success. In some cases, they have been able to reduce their prescription meds. However, as I stated, I’m not in this class. I am still avoiding and still on my heavy doses of H1/H2 blockers. Another favorite is TwinLabs Quercetin with Vitamin C. It is delivered in palm kernel oil which seems to be favorable for some. I hope to someday be stable enough to take these but for now I will just eat my fruits and veggies.
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/nutrient+luteolin+fights+ageing,6789
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=119
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