Bioactive Phenolic Compounds and Flavonoids: Sources and Benefits

Phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, are essential plant-derived metabolites with profound health benefits. Their various subclasses—including flavonols, flavanones, isoflavonoids, neoflavonoids, flavanols, and anthocyanins—exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cardio-protective, and anti-cancer effects. These bioactive compounds play a crucial role in disease prevention and overall health promotion by modulating oxidative stress, improving vascular function, and supporting immune defense. Given their natural abundance in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods, flavonoids are essential components of a healthy diet.