Flavanonol

Flavanonol is a type of flavonoid, a class of phytochemicals known for their potential health benefits. Flavanonols are a subclass of flavonoids and are distinguished by the presence of a 3-hydroxyflavan backbone. They are found in a variety of plants and fruits, and are responsible for some of the colors and flavors we associate with these foods.

Structure and Classification[edit | edit source]

Flavanonols are characterized by the structure of their carbon skeleton, which consists of two phenyl groups (A and B) and a heterocyclic ring (C). This structure is common to all flavonoids, but flavanonols are specifically characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group at the 3-position of the C ring.

Flavanonols can be further classified based on the number and position of additional hydroxyl groups. For example, taxifolin is a flavanonol with hydroxyl groups at the 3', 4', and 5' positions.

Sources[edit | edit source]

Flavanonols are found in a variety of plant-based foods. Some of the richest sources include:

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

Research has suggested that flavanonols may have a number of potential health benefits. These include:

Antioxidant activity: Like many flavonoids, flavanonols have been shown to have antioxidant properties, which means they can help protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies have suggested that flavanonols may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Cardiovascular health: There is some evidence that flavanonols may help improve cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clots.