Bioflavonoids (also referred to as flavonoids) are a group of antioxidants found in citrus fruits, vegetables and many other foods that contain vitamin C. Natural remedies such as feverfew, ginkgo and St. John's wort also contain bioflavonoids.

There are about 5,000 of these compounds that act as antioxidants!  Bioflavonoids can be subdivided into different groups such as isoflavonoids, flavones, flavanones and flavanols.

High doses of bioflavnoids does not cause any harm or side effects as the body can easily get rid of excess amount (they are water-soluble).

Rutin - Rutin is used to treat circulation problems, hemorrhoids, herpes, varicose veins, glaucoma, stress, liver cirrhosis and cataracts. Foods high in rutin include cherries, prunes, apricots and buckwheat.

Anthocyanins - Anthocyanins are used to treat eye related problems osteoporosis and prevent blood clots. It can be found in abundance in green tea, black tea, raspberries, cranberries, grapes, eggplants and red wine.

Hesperidin - This antioxidant is used to reduce menopause symptoms and swelling in the legs. It also shows antiviral activities and experts have suggested it for treating herpes infections, the common cold, flu and other lung-related problems. It can be found in the pulps (inside part) and rinds (outer coating) of citrus fruits.

Quercetin - This antioxidant shows antihistamine effects, great for reducing inflammation such as arthritis, asthma and allergies. It also detoxifies the liver and helps with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) leading to heart disease and angina. Quercetin can be found in green tea, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, cherries, grapes and others.

Kaempferols - This bioflavonoid strengths the walls of blood vessels and promotes the liver to detoxify itself. Experts suspect it may stop cancer cells from growing. Foods rich in this antioxidant include broccoli, strawberries, red beets, radishes and many other plants.

Tannins and Catechins - These bioflavonoids also strength the walls of blood vessels and promotes the liver to detoxify itself. As well, they reduce inflammation, protect the eye from damage from diabetes and possibly prevent heart disease. There is some evidence that they may stop cancer cell growth. These antioxidants are found in green and black teas.