Sneezing, sniffling, swollen, itchy-eyes got you down this month? If so, you're far from alone. Mid-august marks the beginning of ragweed season, which lasts through October and causes a whopping 36 million Americans to suffer the symptoms of "hay fever" or allergic rhinitis.

"Bioflavonoids" is one of those terms that looks technical and perhaps even slightly unpleasant on the page, but in actuality does a lot of good. Bioflavonoids are the substances that give plants bright colors and that have also been found to improve health and vitality in a number of ways.

There are hundreds of bioflavonoids - citrus bioflavonoids, soy isoflavones, proanthocyanidins found in red wine and grapeseed, flavanols present in cocoa, tea, and grapeseed, and quercitin found in onions, tea, and berries - but they all have similar health benefits. They are anti-inflammatory, slow aging, decrease the risk of cancer, and can encourage healthy circulation.