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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Flavonoids

Evidence-informed definition Updated August 21, 2026 How to cite this entry

Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant compounds belonging to the polyphenol family and are found in foods and beverages such as fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa, and other plant-based foods. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are being studied for their potential effects on brain function, cognition, mood, and mental health (Ullah et al., 2020).

Author and reviewer

Editorial responsibility
Written by Aasma Kausar, Msc Applied Psychology
Reviewed by CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board
Evidence base

References and further reading

  1. Timlin, D., McCormack, J. M., Kerr, M., Keaver, L., & Simpson, E. E. A. (2025). The MIND diet, cognitive function, and well-being among healthy adults at midlife: A randomised feasibility trial. BMC Nutrition, 11(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-025-01020-6 View source
  2. Thompson, A. S., Bondonno, N. P., Liu, Y. L., Qureshi, F., Kubzansky, L. D., Trudel-Fitzgerald, C., Boehm, J. K., Rimm, E. B., & Cassidy, A. (2026). Dietary flavonoid intake and psychological well-being – A bidirectional relationship. Clinical Nutrition, 58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2026.106579 View source
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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. (2026). Flavonoids. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.

https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/flavonoids/
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