It has been proved that natural anti-oxidants protect the immune system of our body, they strengthen the protective function of the skin, decrease the risk of the emergence of heart diseases, slow down the processes of ageing and provide protection against certain tumour diseases.
The flavonoids, antocianides and proantocianides, the effect of which is like that of vitamin P: they decrease the permeability and fragility of capillary vessels, as well as protect vitamin C and other vitamins from oxidisation, thus increasing its quantity in the cells. It is no less important that the flavonoids protect the protein that can be found in the human body in the largest quantities from decomposition (collagen that provides the size-producing material in interstitial tissue, tendons, the articular ligaments, cartilage and bones). As in case of the inflammation of these tissues and organs, there is a great chance of decomposition. Under the influence of these flavonoids, however, solidifying cross-connections are produced among the collagen fibre, the synthesis and freeing of materials taking part in the inflammation, as well as the operation of the collagen-decomposing enzyme originating from white blood cells is prevented, and the other advantage is that they decrease the level of uric acid and lessen the symptoms of gout.
It has been known for a while that they decrease blood pressure and blood cholesterol level, as well as prevent cholesterol from settling on the vein wall. Their favourable effect is due to the fact that by widening the coronary arteries of the heart, they improve the flow of blood to the heart muscle and help those processes of metabolism as a result of which the strength of cardiac contractions increases.
The widening of veins is on the one hand due to the fact that certain flavonoids relax the involuntary muscle of the coronary arteries, and on the other hand they prevent quite a number of materials from contracting the involuntary muscles of the arteries in the heart.
Several animal tests and clinical examinations have been conducted to prove the effects of flavonoids preventing arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure. Experience shows that due to its regular application, not only the cholesterol contents of the blood dropped but the fatty-sclerotic sediments (the so-called arteriosclerotic plaques) also decreased.
We are not in the position to block the negative effects of our environment. Illnesses may emerge also as a result of continuous stress (high blood pressure, ulcer, chronic problems of the intestinal activity, etc.). Locomotor diseases have become characteristic of the whole nation. The immune system exhausted by the acute inflammations (seats) also plays a central role here.
Many are searching for the answer to the question of what they can do to boost their immune system. There are several regulating systems affecting the defense mechanism of the body. These assist and help the operation of the immune system. Such are the metabolism of minerals, the water balance, the acid-basis composition of the system. Minerals, trace elements, vitamins and flavonoids play an extremely important role in our system.
The interest manifested in flavonoids and antioxidants, increasing recently, should not be a passing fad for something new but gradually strengthening, should serve the improvement of the medical status of the population in a wide circle, the prevention of diseases and successful therapy.
Szabó László
