What are flavonoids in hemp?

Cannabis is made up of hundreds of different chemical compounds called terpenes and cannabinoids. Both affect the effect produced by the use of marijuana. Moreover, scientists have recently discovered another type of chemical compounds that also impact the effect. Cannabis flavonoids are chemical substances that determine the aroma of the plant and impact its color.

What are hemp flavonoids

The phenolic compounds in hemp are the most common secondary metabolites found in plants. This group includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and stilbenoids.

Flavonoids are part of a fairly large group of chemicals called polyphenols. They can be found in fruits, vegetables, and plants. But not every polyphenol is a flavonoid. The number of the latter is approximately 4,000 items, while there are more than 8,000 variants of polyphenols. The main task of flavonoids is as follows:

• determining the color, aroma, and taste of a plant;
• protection (flavonoids create a certain smell that repels insects, they also protect against ultraviolet light);
• participation in reproduction (these compounds emit an aroma that attracts pollinators).

The difference between hemp flavonoids and terpenes is that the former also affect the smell and taste, but they can be found in various parts of the plant - leaves, stems, and seeds. Due to this, the leaves can not be disposed of, as is often done, but used in the preparation of healthy cocktails and dishes.

Flavonoids are useful not only for the plant itself, but they also have a beneficial effect on the human body. They have the following properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antioxidant;
• anti-cancer;
• Antimicrobial.

There is no 100% benefit, but scientists have noticed that flavonoids reduce the likelihood of chronic diseases (hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease) in people who regularly consume fruits and vegetables with a high concentration of this substance.

What are flavonoids

Flavonoids and flavonols have a wide range of bioavailability. At the moment, scientists have discovered about 20 different flavonoids, all of them can be divided into 3 types:

• flavonols - a subgroup of flavonoids, consisting of quartzetin and camp phenol, which have an antioxidant effect, in addition, they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
• flavonones - they also have an antioxidant effect, but the main advantage is that they rid the body of molecules that harm healthy cells, which potentially protects against cancer and other serious diseases, they also minimize cholesterol levels and have anti-inflammatory properties;
• Isoflavonoids - influence metabolism, normalize hormonal balance, since they have phytoestrogen effects that mimic estrogen, so the substances are especially useful for pre- or post-menopausal women who want to cope with signs of estrogen deficiency in the body.

Conclusions

Flavonoids are found in many plants, including hemp. They have a variety of positive effects that can protect a person from diseases. Many flavonoids are found in leaves and branches, so these parts should be consumed. The best option in this situation would be the preparation of drinks and dishes, which will include leaves (salads, cocktails, and others).

The material is provided for scientific information purposes, we do not encourage the use of certain plants, especially if they are prohibited at the legislative level in your country. Do not self-medicate and be healthy!