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Bioflavonoids By Sarah Tewhey Bioflavonoids are turning up everywhere. Citrus fruits, various herbs, root vegetables, buckwheat, soybeans, berries, assorted teas, plums and prunes are just a few of the foods that contain high amounts of bioflavonoids. (Hollon) But what exactly are bioflavonoids and why do we need them? Bioflavonoids are available to humans solely through the diet. We cannot synthesize them on our own. They are present specifically in plant foods and are a group of at least 4,000 aromatic compounds. (Hollon) Although not vitamins this family is sometimes referred to as Vitamin P. (Balch 23) These mysterious compounds have many health benefits and are even reported to have cancer-fighting properties. Bioflavonoids have also been found to aid bleeding gums, Vitamin C assimilation, relieve pain and bruising and maintain integrity of the blood vessels. They are antibacterial and when used in conjunction with Vitamin C protect the tiny blood pathways throughout the body known as capillaries. (Balch 23) However, recently bioflavonoids have been linked with the onset of infant leukemia. Apparently the same action that causes some bioflavonoids fight cancer can lead to promotion by causing small breaks in the gene known as MLL. This gene is responsible for the onset of infant leukemia. (Hollon) In Asian cities such as Hong Kong infant leukemia rates have been found to be up to three times higher than those in the United States. The answer to these higher rates of leukemia in Asian infants may lie in the soybeans that are a prominent part of many Asian diets. (Bioflavonoids) Paradoxically, research into bioflavonoids and cancer has found this action that contributes to infant leukemia also may hold great promise as a cancer treatment. Bioflavonoids mimic cancer drugs known as eukaryotic topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors, which keep DNA from breaking apart and rejoining within the cells. This type of breakage causes damage and eventually cell death. Interestingly, the small breaks in the MLL gene that cause infant leukemia are not a characteristic of bioflavonoids alone. This trait is also found topo II inhibitor drugs. (Hollon) Research of bioflavonoids is only just beginning and thus far it is impossible to draw conclusions. What seems obvious is that bioflavonoids are an important part of our nutritional intake and essential for the body. However, too much of a good thing often leads to disaster and in the case of bioflavonoids it appears no different. While citrus fruits and root vegetables are a great way to get a healthy dose of bioflavonoids, nutritional supplements promising high doses of these compounds are probably better left on the shelves. Balch, P,, and Balch, J. (2000) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd ed.). New York: Avery. Hollon, T. (2000) Bioflavinoids: always healthy? The Scientist, 14 (17), 21. copyright 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------ Sarah Tewhey is a student and teacher of Yoga, Ayurveda and the healing arts. She completed two years of study with Dr. Vasant Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute and a B.S. at Lesley University in Mind/Body Studies with a specialization in the female healing process and its relationship to modern medicine. Sarah is currently a student in the Masters program at Southwest Acupuncture College in Albuquerque. Sarah can be contacted at: sarah@ayurlight.com |
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