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By Daniel Gastelu Section 8. More Bioflavonoids The more time scientists spend researching the biological effects of plants and plant products, the more they determine the important role that the bioflavonoid-containing foods and beverages play in promoting health. It may not surprise you that some herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, bilberry, and milk thistle, contain these important nutrients and provide some special health benefits. However, you may be surprised to learn that eating chocolate (in small amounts) can provide you with a good supply of bioflavonoids. Q. Does eating chocolate really have health benefits? A. Researchers from the University of California have recently discovered that cocoa-an ingredient in chocolate-contains a number of bioflavonoids and other polyphenols that exhibit antioxidant power and other beneficial health effects. These antioxidants also act as preservatives and prevent the oxidation of the fats in chocolate products. Researchers wanted to see how the bioflavonoids in chocolate compare to those in red wine. Their research concluded that cocoa-powder extract indeed protects LDL-cholesterol from oxidation. It takes a cup of hot chocolate made with about 2 tablespoons of cocoa or 1.5 ounces of milk chocolate to provide 146 to 205mg of bioflavonoids. So, a daily indulgence of high-quality hot chocolate or dark chocolate (which contains more bioflavonoids than milk chocolate) can provide some of the cardiovascular health benefits that the other bioflavonoid sources have to offer. However, if these foods are over-consumed, health problems associated with eating too much fat and sugar can develop. Q. Are there any bioflavonoid-containing herbs that help memory? A. Ginkgo biloba has been used in Asia for hundreds of years, in Europe for many decades, and in the United States for several years. Its most scientifically documented benefits include improving memory and treating cerebral and circulation problems. The bioflavonoids contained in ginkgo are key players in this herb's beneficial effects on the circulatory system due to their antioxidant properties, anti-platelet aggregation activity, and ability to improve nitric-oxide balance. Q. What is the best bioflavonoid-containing herb for vision? A. Bilberry fruit, a close relative of the American blueberry and cranberry, has been shown to improve vision. Bilberry mostly contains bioflavonoid cousins called anthocyanosides (including procyanidins), in addition to bioflavonoids and other phytonutrients. Its use for improving vision was discovered during World War II when British Air Force pilots reported improved night vision after eating bilberry before night missions. Over subsequent years, research has been conducted showing that bilberry-fruit extract is effective in treating a variety of vision problems, including night blindness, visual fatigue, near-sightedness, and visual acuity. Bilberry extract improves vein and artery structure and function, especially those in the eyes. Q. How does bilberry improve vision? A. Bilberry anthocyanosides help with the regeneration of retinal purple pigment, rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is a bent-shaped molecule that consists of vitamin A and opsin, a protein. When a photon of light strikes a rod, the opsin is separated from the vitamin A, sending an electrical discharge in adjoining neurons. When this happens, the store of rhodopsin is gradually depleted. In bright light, or after long days, rhodopsin can be used up faster than it is replenished. Researchers have found that the anthocyanosides in bilberry stimulate the regeneration of rhodopsin. This in turn helps improve vision, both during the day and at night, and helps reduce eye fatigue. Bilberry extract is safe to use at dosages of 50 to 100mg per day. Q. Are there any bioflavonoid-containing herbs that are good for the liver? A. Milk thistle contains bioflavonoids and a group of compounds that are made from bioflavonoids, collectively known as silymarin. Research on he liver-protective effects of silymarin led to the European development of a standardized milk-thistle extract, which has been the subject of several hundred studies. Silymarin has been shown to be useful in cases of hepatitis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and fatty degeneration of the liver. Silymarin functions in three ways. First, it protects the outer membrane of liver cells, because the silymarin molecules form a type of blockade that prevents the entrance of many harmful chemicals. Second, the antioxidant activity of silymarin assists the body in scavenging free radicals and adds to cellular protection. Third, silymarin stimulates regeneration of damaged liver cells. Silymarin ingestion is also linked to gallstone prevention. In the event that you wish to protect or improve your liver health, including milk-thistle extract in your supplemental regimen is a good idea. But remember to always consult with a health-care professional if you suspect liver trouble or other diseases. CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES COMING SOON TO THIS SECTION
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