Flavonoids in Tea: What Are They and Why Are They Good for You?

Flavonoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in vegetables and fruits. They’re also found in consumer products like tea, kombucha, juices, and supplements made from those natural sources. Nearly all parts of a plant contain some flavonoids, from the roots and skin to the flowers and seeds. Flavonoids benefit the plant by making it more attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. Flavonoids in tea and other products have many positive health effects for people of any age.

Getting more flavonoids in your diet is as simple as being a little more adventurous while grocery shopping and being willing to try out new recipes that are more natural and less processed. Supplementation is another method for boosting flavonoid consumption. Our kombucha is a good option for this and comes in a convenient powder that can be dissolved into a drink form. However you decide to add more flavonoids to your diet, your body will certainly thank you.

Different Types of Flavonoids in Tea

Flavonoids are a broad category with at least six main subtypes. The subtypes represent different cellular structures, but all flavonoids have notable health effects. Because you can brew tea from so many different plants, you can add more of each of the following subtypes to your diet without much effort. The flavonoids in tea are undamaged by the brewing process, so there’s no need for cold brewing or any other special process to preserve the chemical structures.

Anthocyanins

Flowers and fruits that have red, blue, or purple coloration often contain large amounts of anthocyanins. In fact, these somewhat uncommonly occurring colors are usually a signal that the plant is nutrient-dense. Berries are the most common source of anthocyanins, but they can also be found in red grapes, pomegranates, black plums, and blood oranges. Dark varieties of other plant products, like purple corn or black beans, are typically also high in these types of flavonoids.

Flavan-3-ols

Several varieties of tea are rich in flavan-3-ols, including white, green, oolong and black teas. Berries and chocolate products are also good sources of these flavonoids. Flavan-3-ols are similar to another subtype known as flavanols.

Flavanols

Mostly known for their cardiovascular benefits, flavanols occur in a wide variety of plants. Their benefits are a direct result of their antioxidant properties. You can find flavanols in just about all varieties of tea, as well as an enormous selection of vegetables and fruits, including:

• Grapes
• Peaches
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Onions
• Kale
• Scallions

Flavones

White and blue are the colors to look for in plants containing flavones. Interestingly, these types of flavonoids repel insects that might harm to the plant. As part of a balanced diet, flavones can reduce inflammation and its negative health outcomes. Sources of flavones include chamomile and peppermint, both of which can make for delicious cold or hot teas.

Flavanones

Flavanones are most often found in citrus products like teas and kombucha that include grapefruit, oranges, limes, and lemons. They have anti-inflammatory effects that offer numerous health benefits. Herbal citrus tea recipes are a refreshing way to get more flavonoids in tea. Plus, because citrus products are often very nutrient-dense already, consuming more of these fruits is a great choice.

Isoflavones

Soybean products and certain other legumes are the main sources of isoflavones. Scientists recognize these flavonoids for their ability to help the body regulate hormone levels. Soy-based products have become common in many sections of the grocery store, including teas and supplements.

Health Effects of Flavonoids in Tea

Nutrition scientists have uncovered many positive health benefits of including more flavonoids in your diet. It’s one of the many reasons why adding more fruits and vegetables to each meal is a good idea. The modern diet, with its reliance on heavily processed and highly palatable foods, results in a lack of certain healthy nutrients. A bad diet eventually trickles down to negative health effects like fatigue, weight gain, and chronic disease. Therefore, enriching your diet with flavonoids is a big step toward a healthier lifestyle.

While research is still ongoing, scientists have already identified a host of powerful and positive health benefits delivered by flavonoids. This is what makes flavonoids in tea such an impactful means for boosting health and wellness.

Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease and high blood pressure are often silent killers, slowly building up to an assault on the body that leaves you overwhelmed and fortunate to survive. Scientists have uncovered evidence that flavonoids in tea have a protective effect in reducing cardiac disease. The exact mechanism of this protection isn’t yet understood. However, studies have shown the connection between lower rates of heart attack and stroke and a diet high in flavonoids.

Blood Sugar Regulation

The continuing epidemic of type 2 diabetes is a preventable one. Better diet and lifestyle choices can even reverse the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and restore people to a normal, energetic life. There’s evidence that one such choice is increasing your consumption of flavonoids. Researchers don’t yet know how much is enough to create this protective effect. However, the nice thing about flavonoids in tea is that because they’re natural compounds, you don’t have to worry about having too many.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation and oxidation are among the underlying causes of significant health problems. Poor diets often lead to excess inflammation and damage to otherwise healthy cells. In addition, rogue oxygen molecules known as free radicals can wreak all sorts of havoc in human tissue. When acting together, inflammation and oxidation are major causes of chronic illness and general poor health. They’re even among the root causes of terrible diseases like cancer.

Flavonoids in tea and tea-based products such as kombucha deliver so many health-boosting benefits that it’s worthwhile to make them part of your daily routine. One way to ensure an adequate level of flavonoid consumption is to make a habit of eating and drinking more products that contain flavonoids and that are healthy in other ways. Consider swapping out a bad habit like nightly potato chips for a good one like a glass of kombucha; your body will thank you. At Super Foods, you can shop an assortment of natural products that each bring proven benefits to a well-balanced diet.