Flavonoids are a class of water-soluble pigments that are found in many plants. A few thousand different flavonoids have so far been identified. While not labelled as essential nutrients, many of these compounds serve as antioxidants or play other important roles in maintaining the health of your body.

Some researchers break flavonoids down into subclasses that include isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavans, flavonols, flavones, and flavanones. However, these subclassifications are not universally recognized.