Apart from vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables also contain other healthy compounds known as flavonoids. Rutin is one such compound. Rutin refers to a bioflavonoid (plant pigment) that is found in certain fruits and vegetables such as, buckwheat bran, tea, green tea, asparagus, figs, black peel and apple peal. Rutin is multifunctional in nature. Traditionally, rutin has been used in the maintenance of adequate circulation. Rutin plays a role in the reduction of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol hence maintaining a healthy circulatory system function. It also maintains blood vessel health and function. It supports the integrity and flexibility of the capillary walls especially in the eye and helps to prevent the formation of blood clots.
Rutin also strengthens the lining of blood vessels in the body thus preventing their collapse or probability of bleeding. This is because it contains a group of flavonoid chemicals known as oxerutins. According to the "Journal of Clinical Investigation" rutin blocks an enzyme involved in clot formation thus blocking clot formation in both arteries and veins. It also, inhibits platelet aggregation and thins the blood thus improving circulation. Rutin promotes vascular health by increasing the elasticity of arterial wall thus promoting increased blood flow and thus improved vascular health.
Rutin is also crucial due to its cardio-protective function. Rutin protects LDL against oxidation. It contains Quercetin that confers its anti-oxidant properties. These protect the body cells from damage by free radicals that induce reversible cell injury that might ultimately lead to cell death and hence defective health.
Rutin also maintains healthy eye function by inhibiting aldolase reductase activity that is present in the eye. It helps convert glucose into sugar alcohol known as sorbitol. When excessive sorbitol is trapped in the eye and nerve cells it can damage the eye. Thus the fact that rutin prevents the intracellular accumulation of sorbitol is therapeutic to the eye. Its combination with vitamin C further potentiates its action in the maintenance of healthy eye health and function
Rutin’s antioxidant properties support cellular structure and function. Rutin scavenges on free radicals that damage cells in the body and neutralizes them. This also helps in cardiac function as free radicals LDL cholesterol in plaques that can interfere with the integrity of blood vessel walls through hardening. Additionally, it helps maintain the body levels of reduced glutathione that further helps in antioxidation. Rutin also assists in a healthy inflammatory response in combination with the ability to minimize oxidative stress makes it beneficial in relieving pain. Flavonoids that come from rutin relieve swelling, aching and pain from inflamed vessels.
Rutin is also important for maintaining a healthy skin. It is involved in the production of collagen the skins main building blocks. The fact that It also plays a key role in ensuring that the body utilizes vitamin C more efficiently further helps nourish the skin. As such, it consumption of rutin ensures that the skin is continuously renewed to give it a youthful look.
Rutin plays a key metabolic function for optimal body functioning. First, it protects against fat accumulation in the liver according to a study by the "Journal of Food Science" issued in March 2011 to provide an optimal metabolic function. Rutin also maintains levels of blood glucose. It has an effect in decreasing fasting glucose hence a role in the protection against hyperglycemia.
Therefore, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is crucial initiative for promoting a good health. According to public health studies the average American fails to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables getting only up to three servings per day which is way below the normal range of five to thirteen servings daily.
