Do you have evident bruising? Persistent nose bleeds? Immense swelling after injury? Recurrent colds or infections? These may be a sign that you may not be getting enough flavonoid-containing foods? To those who are unfamiliar with flavonoids, they are natural chemicals in the family of plant compounds found in the acai superfood  fruit as well as some other fruits. Some of the well known benefits of acai drinks include weight loss (fondly called acai slim), enhanced energy, and romance enhancement but did you know that acai drinks or acai superfood contain flavonoids? Flavonoids aid in cardio-vascular health. They lower cholesterol levels by preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) to help to prevent blood vessel rupture and leakage by keeping your arteries clear. Recent research indicates that flavonoids can be nutritionally helpful by triggering enzymes that reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related degenerative diseases.

What does Vitamin C have to do with flavonoids?

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient for humans. It provides defense against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. So what does Vitamin C have to do with flavonoids?   Flavonoids intensify the power of vitamin C. Some research also indicates flavonoids may help prevent tooth decay and reduce the occurrence of common ailments such as the flu. We’ve also seen studies where adults who take Vitamin C have  far fewer eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma in those who regularly take Vitamin C. Therefore anything that would help with the enrichment of this vitamin is seen as a bonus by most professionals.

Alzeimers

Evidence continues to grow that flavonoids can help slow or even halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Promising epidemiological studies say that the consumption of flavonoid-rich vegetables, fruit juices and red wine delays the onset of the disease. The British Pharmacological Society in Edinburgh reported findings that the chemical epicatechin, in the catechin family of flavonoids, can reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease when taken orally.  So does this mean you buy a truckload of acai wholesale (that is why the acai wholesale market has taken off) and give an acai smoothie to your elderly loved one suffering from Alzeimers?  As always, check with your doctor.   However, one can’t help being optimistic regarding the powerful nutrients in the acai berry.