What are flavonoids? -Cibdol

Flavonoids may represent only a small part of the phytochemicals found in hemp, but they are no less important for that. Read on and find out what you need to know about these colorful compounds.

What do flavonoids do?

When you walk through the produce aisle at the supermarket, what is the first thing that catches your eye? Most likely it is the striking variety of colors. From red bell peppers to oranges, onions, blueberries, and grapes, all of those fruits and vegetables owe their pretty colors to one particular class of compounds: flavonoids!

Flavonoids are tiny phytonutrients found in the skin and outer layers of fruits, vegetables, and plants. Each color represents a different flavonoid and helps attract pollinators, filter ultraviolet light, or protect against disease.

Fortunately, the protective qualities of flavonoids could extend beyond plants and foods. Researchers have discovered that when we consume flavonoids, these compounds show some interesting properties as natural antioxidant agents. Before we take a closer look at the effects that flavonoids could cause in the human body, we need to know where they are found.

Where are flavonoids found?

One thing must be made clear; The term “flavonoids” is a general classification for four main groups: flavonoids, isoflavonoids, neoflavonoids, and anthocyanins. But, to keep things simple, the most commonly used term is flavonoid. The only important distinction to keep in mind is that there is a class of flavonoids exclusive to the Cannabis sativa species: canflavins. We will explain them later.

Don’t be scared by the idea of ​​remembering more than 6,000 flavonoids divided into four different categories. The researchers have just begun to analyze each of the groups separately.

For now, it is more than enough to highlight some of the most important flavonoids, many of which are found in foods, beverages, and plants that we are all familiar with.

Examples of flavonoids

• Apigenin

Over 68% of the total flavonoids in chamomile plants are apigenin. Other well-known sources include parsley, celery and, of course, chamomile tea.

• Canflavins A, B, C

As we have mentioned before, canflavins are a particular class of flavonoids exclusive to the Cannabis sativa species. Canflavins A and B were discovered in the 1980s, while canflavin C was not isolated until 2008.

• Kaempferol

You may not recognize the name of this flavonoid, but I’m sure you consume it often! Kaempferol is abundant in apples, grapes, green tea, Brussels sprouts, and the aloe vera plant.

• Quercetin

Although normally found in vegetables, grains, and red onions, quercetin’s bitter taste has made it a popular ingredient in dietary supplements and beverages.

How flavonoids work

There are more than 6,000 flavonoids, so it is impossible to say for sure how they all interact with the human body and what their purpose is. There is also the entourage effect to consider, a powerful phenomenon in which marijuana compounds establish a synergistic relationship to increase the impact of their effects. Obviously, the larger the molecule, the more impactful the effect, which is why cannabinoids and terpenes are considered the main participants in the entourage effect.

But the flavonoids are just as important in maintaining this chemical synergy. And given the role flavonoids could play in promoting wellness, not to mention their lack of toxicity, you have nothing to lose but everything to gain by including them in your wellness routine.

Are flavonoids good for you?

Let’s start by saying that flavonoids are definitely not bad for you. They occur naturally in fruits and vegetables that are essential for a healthy lifestyle. In addition, there are several studies that seem to show a positive relationship between flavonoid intake and various aspects of well-being.

As far as “how good are they” is a subject that is still being studied. What we do know, however, is that flavonoids appear to be very powerful antioxidant agents.

In 2016, the “Journal of Nutritional Science” conducted a comprehensive study^[1] about flavonoids. The report stated that “flavonoids are now considered an indispensable component in a number of pharmaceuticals, medicines and cosmetics.” Their effect on key parts of human physiology has led scientists to predict that flavonoids have potential as “chronic disease prevention drugs.” However, they also recognize that further research is needed to discover its true potential.

Why are flavonoids important?

Let’s be honest; a world without color would be a very dull place. But plants and foods without flavonoids could be even more disastrous. Not only do they play a crucial role in the entourage effect, but they could also be powerful allies against oxidation.

Fortunately, studies are underway to identify the qualities of certain flavonoids. We already know how some of the flavonoids mentioned above might influence the human body, but given the sheer number of flavonoids out there, we still have a lot to discover. With this in mind, we hope this overview of flavonoids proves helpful and highlights the importance of a diet (and full-spectrum CBD oil) rich in these organic compounds.

If you want to experience the power of the entourage effect, check out our full range of CBD oils, capsules and supplements through the Cibdol store. Or, if you want to know more about the different types of flavonoids and where they come from, visit our CBD Encyclopedia for a full analysis.