The theme of healthy nutrition is relevant at all times, and the benefits of vitamins and minerals have always been emphasized. Everyone has heard about the most important micro- and macrocells today, but do you know about such substances as bioflavonoids? What is it and what is your body needed for, we will tell you in detail in our article today. Let's start with a brief description. So what are these connections?
general characteristics
Vitamin-like compounds, or substances with P-vitamin activity, have a specific name - bioflavonoids. What it is? In scientific terms, these are compounds having a polyphenolic nature. They can be synthesized only in plants. It is thanks to them that we can see delicious fruits painted on all the colors of the rainbow on the table. Today, scientists isolate about 5,000 different bioflavonoids, which have the same chemical structure and have similar biological activity. That is, despite some differences, all bioflavonoids have similar biological effects, although their intensity may be different.
Complex composition
Why do we need bioflavonoids? What is this from the point of view of science, we have already briefly told you, and in our body they are primarily responsible for the permeability of capillaries. It was this property that was first identified by scientists, after which vitamin P was recognized as a necessary element, which is extremely important for the nutrition system. However, this brief excursion did not end there, because vitamin P is a generic name. It includes a group of substances, which include rutin and zinc, flavones and quercetin, flavonals and hesperidin. However, the list does not end there. About 120 other substances form a unique compound, which received the corresponding name - bioflavonoids. What is it, we will continue to consider the examples of the direct influence of matter on the organs and systems of our body.
In fact, we can even visually notice the bioflavonoids around us. It is thanks to them that citruses become so bright, yellow and orange. And not at the expense of the mentioned compounds themselves, they simply act as catalysts. And if we talk about the substance in its pure form, then it is a yellow, green and orange crystals. Bioflavonoids have a specific taste, but do not have a characteristic odor. Most are soluble in ethanol and benzene.
Effects on the body
Let us now discuss a little deeper the benefits that our body derives from these compounds. So, why do we need this vitamin? Bioflavonoids enter the body from plant foods, they are quickly absorbed. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that they turn into active forms already in the mucous membranes and on the walls of the intestine. These substances are very important and necessary, since they are actively involved in cell regulation. However, this is a very general definition, so we will dwell on its decoding in a bit more detail.
Metabolism
At first glance, this question may seem complicated, but we will try to explain everything very simply. So, bioflavonoids themselves are neutral, they do not have any biological effect, such as other vitamins. However, you remember that these are polyphenolic compounds, and in our body a lot of substances are synthesized that have phenolic rings in their molecules. These are hormones and mediators such as adrenaline and serotonin, tryptimine and thiamine. It should be well understood that the body is always trying to save resources. Therefore, most often these animal polyphenols are synthesized from the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan. And only as a backup route does the body consider the possibility of synthesizing them from bioflavonoids.
Cell renewal
Indeed, this is the main purpose of these substances. Thanks to bioflavonoids, the elasticity and elasticity of capillaries is maintained. This is crucial for the health of our circulatory system. But that's not all: Vitamin P (bioflavonoids) acts as a structural component in the synthesis of collagen. Thus, the intake of a normal amount of this substance in the body helps to keep your hair, nails and skin in good condition.
Antioxidant effect
As antioxidants, bioflavonoids have proven themselves excellently. We will not describe this process in detail, we will only say that antioxidants are substances that bind and remove free radicals. Moreover, the latter are not something dangerous in themselves, they are just molecules that have lost an electron and are looking for someone to take it from. Moreover, the free radical that returned the molecule becomes stable, and the molecule that gave it changes its structure. Now transfer this mechanism to your body. Essential proteins and nucleic acids, hormones and enzymes can be attacked by free radicals. But they, in an altered form, become dangerous. Bioflavonoids also bind to a molecule of radicals, and they leave our body.
Body inquiries
What is vitamin P in? Bioflavonoids are substances that our body needs regularly. An adult who leads an active lifestyle should consume at least 50-70 mg of flavonoids daily. However, this does not mean that urgent need to start taking special medications. If you adhere to a healthy diet, then there will be no problems. The fact is that around us there are a lot of products that are sources of this substance. Bioflavonoids are found in all plant foods - these are vegetables and fruits, berries and citrus fruits, herbs and natural juices. But products of animal origin, as well as flour products do not contain them at all. Based on this, it can be said that it is very important to regularly have vegetable salads and fruits on the table, just then you will not experience a deficiency in the substances we are considering.
How does vitamin P deficiency manifest
In fact, only the inhabitants of the Far North, whose diet is poor in vegetables and fruits, feel the lack of these substances. But in this case, there will be a deficiency of other important substances, so a lack of exclusively vitamin P is very rare. This can manifest itself in general weakness and malaise, rapid fatigue and pain in the limbs.
What preparations may contain bioflavonoids
If you suspect a lack of vitamin P in your body, you should first enrich your diet with fruits and vegetables. If for some reason this is not possible, the doctor may prescribe an additional source that will supply bioflavonoids to your body. Preparations for the treatment of varicose veins almost all contain flavonoids. These include Venoruton and many others. If you are interested in the source of vitamin P in tablets, then pay attention first of all to dietary supplements, it is their composition that most often includes bioflavonoids.
To summarize, I want to say that these substances are not vital, but at the same time they have certain benefits. They are easily secreted by the body from plant products. That is, you only need to eat fully - and you can not worry about your own health. Most bioflavonoids are found in onions, apples and cranberries, spinach, citrus fruits. You can’t ignore berries: apricots and blueberries, grapes and raspberries, blueberries and cherries - all these are not only delicious desserts, but also sources of vitamin P.