Isorhamnetin is a flavonol and phytonutrient (a group of chemical compounds found in plant foods but not considered essential for human health) that has been linked to the prevention of cancer and diabetes. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at isorhamnetin, providing you with an overview of its main functions, best food sources, Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs), and potential adverse effects of consuming too much or too little.
1) DISCOVERY:
Isorhamnetin was discovered by the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi in 1938 as part of the flavonoid family. Gyorgyi initially believed that he had discovered a new vitamin and named the flavonoids vitamin P. However, it was later discovered that, unlike vitamins, flavonoids are not essential for human health.
2) FUNCTION:
Like many of the flavonols, isorhamnetin is a powerful antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damaging free radicals (damaging byproducts of oxygen-related reactions). It can also prevent multiple types of cancer (including esophageal cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer) and reduce complications associated with diabetes (including diabetic cataracts and high blood glucose levels). In addition to this, isorhamnetin can help keep your heart healthy by preventing atherosclerosis (hardening and loss of elasticity within the arteries), preventing high blood pressure, and protecting heart cells from oxidative damage.
3) RDA:
Isorhamnetin is not believed to be essential in humans, therefore an RDA has not been established for this flavonol.
4) FOOD SOURCES:
Isorhamnetin can be found in many plant-based foods. Some of the best sources include almonds (7.05 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g)), chives (6.75 mg per 100 g), dill (43.5 g per 100 g), fennel leaves (9 .3 mg per 100 g), red onion (4.25 mg per 100 g) and turnip tops (between 5 mg and 10 mg per 100 g).
5) SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE:
At the time of this writing, no symptoms of overdose have been associated with isorhamnetin use.
6) SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY:
At the time of this writing, no deficiency symptoms have been linked to isorhamnetin consumption.
7) SUMMARY:
While much more research remains to be done on isorhamnetin, early signs are very promising. Not only can it help you fight off a number of nasty health conditions (including cancer and diabetes), but it also keeps your heart healthy. Additionally, isorhamnetin-rich foods contain high levels of other health-boosting nutrients, meaning eating these foods allows you to unlock many more health benefits. So be sure to eat almonds, add scallions to your dishes, and cook with red onions to enjoy all the health benefits listed in this article and more.