ABSTRACT
A surge in diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, cancer, diabetes, and liver is accounting for many of the deaths in urbanized societies. This high prevalence increases mortality, premature aging, and disabilities while decreasing lifespan. Many of these fatal diseases develop in some parts due to reactive oxidative species accumulating in the body and producing oxidative stress. To combat this, flavonoid-based functional foods are increasingly being studied and encouraged by healthcare professionals throughout the globe. Functional foods are plant-based foods containing phytochemicals to provide a variety of health benefits to the consumer. The primary component of phytochemicals is flavonoids, with enhanced antioxidant capabilities that make them significant for therapeutic and preventative purposes. Along with antioxidant capabilities, flavonoids display anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic properties as well that further allow them to be suitable candidates for treating degenerative diseases. Flavonoid food sources consist of tea, dark chocolate, onions, apples, berries, and more. Under stress, various flavonoids can activate the transcription factor nuclear erythroid 2–related factor2 (Nrf2) to further express genes with antioxidant defense capabilities. This chapter reviews functional foods, the types of flavonoids they contain, and how the Nrf2 signaling mechanism can assist in chronic disease prevention.
