What are flavonoids, where they are found, what they do, and which type of beer has more (light vs. dark)?

Flavonoids are secondary plant metabolites that are thought to be useful in human health although no such claims have been concluded to as of yet by the FDA. The potential therapeutic effects include reduction in carcinogenic activity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities. This sounds very promising and already more studies have been presented to show that they could be of some benefit. Much of the fruits and vegetables we already eat contain significant quantities of Vitamin P (another name for flavonoids).



As we talked about in class, alcoholic beverages were touted to have beneficial effects in moderation and one of the proposed ideas is high flavonoid content which would translate, theoretically, to the effects listed above.



According to the article on WebMD regarding the summary of research done by Dr. John D. Folts at the University of Wisconsin, dark beer has more flavonoids in it than light beer. Dark beer, in his study, showed a better anti-coagulant effect than light beer when given in the same amount to dogs which may help reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.



I was disappointed to not find a study demonstrating the amount of flavonoid in each of domestic types of beer (Budweiser, Coors, Miller, Guinness etc.). However, many studies have been done on the differences between light vs. dark, and dark comes out the winner with the most flavonoids, which in turn more health benefits. Also, craft beers have more benefits because they are typically not filtered like other beers.



References:



http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20121106/LIFESTYLE02/121109723/Beers-to-your-health&template=mobileart

 Seth Mayfield