WHAT IS LUTEOLIN?
Luteolin is one of the many flavones that can be found in plant based foods and is part of the phytonutrient family (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health). In this article I will be discussing luteolin in greater detail.
WHEN WAS LUTEOLIN DISCOVERED?
Luteolin was discovered in 1938 by the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi as part of the flavonoid family. He initially referred to the flavonoids as vitamin P but it was later discovered that they are not essential to human health and therefore not technically vitamins.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE LUTEOLIN?
Luteolin has many health benefits in the body. It is a powerful antioxidant (a substance which can protect your body’s cells from damaging free radicals) which boosts the immune system, prevents cancer and more. The list below outlines the main health benefits of luteolin:
– Acting as an antioxidant and protecting your body from dangerous free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions).
– Acting as an antihistamine (a substance which counteracts the effects of histamine and reduces allergic symptoms such as itching and sneezing).
– Acting as an anti-inflammatory (a substance which reduces inflammation within the body).
– Boosting the immune system.
– Preventing cancer.
– Smoothing muscle contractions.
– Strengthening the capillaries (the smallest blood vessels in the human body).
– Supporting the metabolism of carbohydrates.
– Treating a variety of respiratory disorders (including asthma and bronchitis).
– Treating diabetes (by reducing blood glucose levels and increasing insulin production).
– Treating a variety of vision disorders.
HOW MUCH LUTEOLIN DO YOU NEED?
Luteolin is not considered essential for human health so no recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been established.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN LUTEOLIN?
Luteolin can be found in a wide variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables. The table below outlines 10 of the best food sources:
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH LUTEOLIN?
Luteolin consumption generally has no adverse side effects. However, in rare instances consuming high levels of this phytonutrient can lead to the following negative symptoms:
– Gastric hypersecretion (excessive formation of gastric juices).
– Nausea.
– Vomiting.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH LUTEOLIN?
Luteolin is not classed as an essential nutrient so there are no reported deficiency symptoms.
LUTEOLIN SUMMARY
As you can see, luteolin is highly beneficial to your health. Not only does it act as an antioxidant, an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory but it also fights a number of diseases and supports many vital functions within your body. Furthermore, it can be found in a wide variety of food so with a few quick additions you can easily make this important phytonutrient part of your diet.
Sources:
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
Luteolin.com
What is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)
USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods