WHAT ARE CHALCONOIDS?
Chalconoids (also known as chalcones) are a sub-class of phytonutrients (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health) which have a number of protective roles in the human body. In this article I will be providing a full breakdown of chalconoids.
WHEN WERE CHALCONOIDS DISCOVERED?
Chalconoids were 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 CHALCONOIDS?
Chalconoids have been linked with a number of positive effects in humans which include acting as an antibacterial, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. The list below highlights the main health benefits of chalconoids:
– Acting as an antibacterial (a substance which kills or slows down the growth of bacteria).
– Acting as an antifungal (a substance which treats fungal infections).
– Acting as an antimicrobial (a substance which kills or slows down the growth of microorganisms).
– Acting as an antioxidant and protecting your body from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions).
– Improving blood circulation.
– Preventing acne.
– Preventing Alzheimer’s disease (a mental disorder which leads to loss of memory, thought and speech).
– Preventing cancer.
– Preventing diabetes.
– Preventing heart disease.
– Reducing blood levels of LDL cholesterol (a type of cholesterol which can cause blockages in the arteries and increase your heart disease risk).
HOW MUCH CHALCONOIDS DO YOU NEED?
There is currently no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) for chalconoids as they are not considered essential to human health.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN CHALCONOIDS?
Chalconoids are not found in many foods but can be found in a few plants. Some of the plants which contain chalconoids include ashitaba, eucalyptus and liquorice. However, the exact amounts of chalconoids are not currently known.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH CHALCONOIDS?
Currently there are no negative overdose symptoms associated with chalconoids.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH CHALCONOIDS?
Chalconoids are not classed as essential nutrients so there are no reported deficiency symptoms associated with their consumption.
CHALCONOIDS SUMMARY
The chalconoids are a group of highly potent phytonutrients. They can fight cancer, prevent diabetes, protect against oxidative damage and much more. Whilst they are not found in many foods you can incorporate them into your diet by drinking teas that contain ashitaba, eucalyptus and liquorice. So why not try an alternative brew and taking advantage of all the chalconoid health benefits today?
Sources:
Ashitaba (Supplement Quality)
Eucalyptus Oil and Acne (Live Strong)
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
What is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)