WHAT IS TAXIFOLIN?
Taxifolin (also known as dihydroquercetin) is a flavanonol which 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). It can be found in milk thistle and red onion and has been shown to have countless benefits in the human body. In this article I will be providing a full breakdown of taxifolin and how it can boost your health.
WHEN WAS TAXIFOLIN DISCOVERED?
Taxifolin 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 TAXIFOLIN?
Taxifolin is most well known for its cancer fighting and antioxidant properties. In fact research suggests that it is the most powerful natural antioxidant available. In addition to this, taxifolin has been shown to boost heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and much more. The list below outlines the main health benefits of this flavanonol:
– 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 unnecessary inflammation within the body).
– Acting as an antioxidant and protecting your body from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions).
– Improving circulation.
– Preventing atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form in the artery walls and restrict the flow of blood which ultimately increases your heart disease risk).
– Protecting against the damage caused by type 2 diabetes.
– Protecting against various types of cancer (including breast cancer and ovarian cancer).
– Providing cardiovascular protection.
– Reducing blood levels of LDL cholesterol (a type of cholesterol which can cause blockages in the arteries and increase your heart disease risk).
– Reducing high blood pressure.
– Treating mental disorders (by improving memory and reducing negative symptoms in people suffering from brain diseases).
HOW MUCH TAXIFOLIN DO YOU NEED?
There is currently no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) for taxifolin as it is not considered essential to human health. Research studies and supplement companies suggest consuming anywhere between 50 milligrams (mg) and 1,000mg per day to realise the health benefits discussed above.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN TAXIFOLIN?
Taxifolin can be found in milk thistle and red onion although the exact amounts in these foods are not known. It can also be sourced from the acai palm and Siberian larch trees. Additionally, taxifolin can be sourced from concentrated supplements.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH TAXIFOLIN?
At the time of writing there are no adverse effects associated with taxifolin consumption, even when extremely high doses are taken.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH TAXIFOLIN?
Taxifolin is not believed to be essential to human health so no deficiency symptoms have been identified.
TAXIFOLIN SUMMARY
Taxifolin is a very powerful phytonutrient that can fight countless diseases, keep your blood healthy, protect against inflammation and more. Whilst it is difficult to source this flavanonol from diet alone there are many supplements on the market and with all its health boosting properties, taxifolin is definitely a supplement worth considering.
Sources:
Dihydroquercetin (Golden Roots Ltd)
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
Taxifolin (Super Smart)
What is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)