Polyphenols: Polyphenols are micronutrients found in foods that help to damage of free radicals in our body & role in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases are emerging.
Several studies have been carried in an attempt to learn what foods contribute to the highest levels of polyphenols to our bodies.
Types and Polyphenols in Foods
- Flavonoids- which have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that found in fruits, legumes, vegetables, red wine, and green tea.
- Phenolic acids –
Hydroxycinnamic acids that found in cinnamon, coffee, plums, Antioxidantblueberries, kiwis, apples, and cherries
Hydroxybenzoic acids that found in tea - Stilbenes– found in red wine and peanuts (resveratrol is the most well known)
Rich in Polyphenols of Foods:
- Hazelnuts
- Cloves
- Dried sage
- Black olive
- Blueberries
- Black elderberry
- Mexican oregano
- Dark chocolate
- Spearmint
- Star anise
- Flaxseed Meal
- Thyme
- Chestnut seeds
- Celery seed
- Blackcurrant
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Capers
- Raw cacao
- Pecans
Health Benefits of Polyphenols
- Type-2 Diabetes – Polyphenols have been found to stabilize blood sugar and fat metabolism, reduce insulin resistance. This can prevent long-term complications from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy.
- Cancer-Research studies have demonstrated the polyphenols can prevention frThe antioxidant character of polyphenols helps protect DNA from free radical damage, that can prevent cancer developme
nt. - Cardiovascular disease- Flavonoid polyphenols help to reduce the clumping of platelets in the blood and improve the function of cells that line your arteries and veins. Platelet clumping is one potential precursor in the heart attacks and angina.
- Alzheimer’s Disease- Researchers have demonstrated the role polyphenols play in delaying the onset of dementia and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Osteoporosis is a condition that loses bone density, which can lead to bone fractures. Antioxidant activity of polyphenols, have a positive effect on bone metabolism and reduce the potential risk of developing osteoporosis.