Flavonoids are a group of secondary plant metabolites that are found in high concentrations in fruits and vegetables. Plant based diets contain high concentrations of flavonoids. The main categories of flavonoids are flavones, flavanones, flavonols, flavanols, isoflavones and proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Evidence suggests that flavonoids may have particular effects in humans that may make them useful in the treatment of obesity. In particular, flavonoids have anti-inflammatory effects that may moderate the damaging effects of insulin resistance by improving insulin sensitivity. This may explain the anti-diabtetic effect of some flavonoids seen in studies. Further, the antioxidant effects of flavonoids may have beneficial effects to the obese because obesity is characterised by increased level of oxidation, which may contribute to the poor insulin sensitivity in these individuals. Some evidence also suggests that flavonoids may be able to regulate appetite and thus lower food intake as well as increase metabolic rate.
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