Although “fabulous flavonoids” is not yet a recognizable term to many consumers, most recognize the antioxidant-rich properties and health benefits of several rich, darkly pigmented berries including blueberries, tart cherries, black currants, elderberries and aronia berries, which all fall under the flavonoids’ umbrella.
The plant-rich flavonoids are a class of compounds, or phytochemicals, under the polyphenol category that include anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones and isoflavones that are not only widespread in the human diet, but are garnering interest in the food, beverage and supplement industries because of their natural red-purple colorant properties as well as their notable studied health benefits, says Melanie Bush, director of berry science at Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Artemis International.