Flavonoids — the powerful, plant-based antioxidant compounds that have been linked to disease prevention — are found in a variety of fruits, nuts and vegetables. But, as a recent government report points out, the amount you get depends on the kind of plant you eat, and how much stress it has endured.
In its most comprehensive study yet on the healthy compounds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture not only suggest that certain varieties of fruits, nuts and veggies contain more antioxidants than others, but that flavonoid content varies widely between individual samples. For example, a market may display a tub full of red delicious apples, but flavonoid levels in each individual apple may vary.
The research showed that the difference may be due to stress, which appears to increase the healthful properties of produce. Nutritionist David Haytowitz, one of the study’s authors, explained to Discovery News that taxing conditions — such as those created by more natural farming methods — appear to force plants to release greater amounts of flavonoids and other beneficial compounds.
In its most comprehensive study yet on the healthy compounds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture not only suggest that certain varieties of fruits, nuts and veggies contain more antioxidants than others, but that flavonoid content varies widely between individual samples. For example, a market may display a tub full of red delicious apples, but flavonoid levels in each individual apple may vary.
The research showed that the difference may be due to stress, which appears to increase the healthful properties of produce. Nutritionist David Haytowitz, one of the study’s authors, explained to Discovery News that taxing conditions — such as those created by more natural farming methods — appear to force plants to release greater amounts of flavonoids and other beneficial compounds.
