Phytonutrient Flavenoids

In the article "Can Diet or Supplements Relieve Your Arthritis Aches and Inflammation?" The phrase phytonutrients like flavonoids caught my attention as I’d never heard of flavonoids before. Phytonutrients are simply components thought to promote human health that are derived from plants. Some commonly known phytonutrients are carotenoids such as alpha and beta carotene. Flavonoids are compounds also found in natural substances, but they are thought to have specifically have anti-oxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) “such as singlet oxygen, superoxide, peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite” (LPI). In the article, a recent study indicated that flavonoids may have anti-oxidative properties equal to that of vitamin E (a recognized anti-oxidant) due to similarities in structure. This is important as it correlates with the Environmental Nutrition's’ article position that an intake of a diet rich in these flavonoids would be beneficial.

Reference Links
Phytonutrients
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=4142#what_are

Flavonoids
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w00/flavonoid.html