Introduction to the 5 Benefits of Polyphenols and Their Types

Illustration of the Introduction to the 5 Benefits of Polyphenols and Their Types

Introduction to the 5 Benefits of Polyphenols and Their Types. Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds in plants that act as antioxidants in the body. Not only that, there are various other benefits of polyphenols that also have health benefits. You can get these benefits by eating a variety of healthy foods.

Various studies claim that polyphenols are useful in preventing cell damage due to the dangers of free radicals and boosting the immune system. In this way, the body can be protected from various risks of chronic diseases.

You can get different types of polyphenols by eating vegetables, fruits and nuts. In addition, there are various other types of foods and drinks that also contain polyphenols, such as peach gum, chocolate, tea, or culinary spices.

Types of polyphenols and their sources

Polyphenols, which are widely found in health foods and drinks or some supplements, are generally classified into several types, namely:

Flavonoid

Flavonoids are a group of pigments present in plants. About 60% of polyphenols belong to the flavonoid group, such as flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferols, catechins, and anthocyanins.

Flavonoids can be found in fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, grapes, onions, mustard greens, spinach, parsley, green tea, dark chocolate, and sago.

Phenolic acids

Phenolic acid antioxidants include stilbenes and lignans. Both are found in many fruits and vegetables, such as apples, mangoes, berries, plums, cherries, kiwis, oranges, and broccoli. In addition, phenolic acids are also found in whole wheat, corn, mushroom coffee, and tea.

Polyphenolic amides

This type of polyphenol can be found in capsaicin in chili peppers and avenanthramides in wheat. Apart from being an antioxidant, polyphenolic amides also have anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition to the three types of polyphenols described above, there are several other types of polyphenols, such as resveratrol found in red wine, ellagic acid in berries, and curcumin in turmeric.

Various Health Benefits of Polyphenols

The following are some of the benefits of polyphenols that are important to know:

1. Prevents cardiovascular diseases

Some studies claim that polyphenols can maintain stable blood pressure and improve overall blood vessel health. In addition, polyphenols can also reduce inflammation and levels of bad cholesterol or LDL.

Because of this effect, eating foods rich in polyphenols can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease.

2. Lowers blood sugar levels

Various studies have also shown that eating a healthy diet with foods rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of diabetes.

This is because polyphenols can lower blood sugar levels, as well as stimulate the body to produce insulin and use it more efficiently. In this way, blood sugar levels in the body become more stable.

3. Prevents Cancer

Polyphenols can inhibit the formation and development of cancer cells due to their role as free radical blockers and anti-inflammatory agents in the body. However, more research is still needed to prove the benefits of polyphenols as a means of cancer prevention.

4. Improves memory

Eating foods rich in polyphenols can improve concentration and memory. This is because polyphenols are known to increase blood flow to the brain.

The study says that diets high in polyphenols can reduce the risk of developing memory disorders and age-related brain diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

5. Supports digestive health

Polyphenols can also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and help these beneficial bacteria fight off harmful bacteria such as salmonella. Thus, the health of the digestive system can always be maintained.

To get the most out of polyphenols, you just need to eat healthy foods by eating nutritious foods and living a healthy lifestyle. For example, do not smoke and do not consume excessive alcoholic beverages.

In addition to food, polyphenols are also commonly available in some supplements. However, it is not yet clear whether supplements containing polyphenols are as effective as dietary polyphenol content. Therefore, it is more often recommended to get polyphenols from healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of polyphenols or are still unsure about a healthy diet and the right amount to consume, you can see a doctor.

So KATANETIZEN62 friends, that's what the article was about: Introduction to the 5 Benefits of Polyphenols and Their Types