Polyphenols: the mysterious compounds that support your health

Polyphenols are a group of natural chemical compounds found in plants that have long attracted the attention of scientists due to their potential health benefits.

In this article, we will take a closer look at this fascinating type of substance and its impact on our health.

What are polyphenols and how do they work?

Polyphenols are chemical compounds that occur in various parts of plants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, teas and red wine. They are known for their antioxidant properties, which means they can help fight free radicals in the body that can lead to cell damage and disease.

Polyphenols are also known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects. They can help maintain the balance of intestinal microflora and support the immune system. Additionally, some research suggests that polyphenols may have a beneficial effect on heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Polyphenols: where to find them?

Polyphenols can be found in many everyday foods. Here are some examples:

• Red Wine: Resveratrol, a renowned polyphenol found in red wine, is often associated with heart health benefits.
• Tea: Both green and black tea contain polyphenols such as catechins, which are powerful antioxidants.
• Berries: Berries such as blueberries and raspberries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vegetables: Leafy greens, onion, garlic and broccoli are some of the vegetables that contain polyphenols.
• Nuts: Walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are a source of polyphenols, vitamins and minerals.

Polyphenolic compounds in plants – why do they need polyphenols?

Plants produce polyphenols as a form of defense against pests, UV radiation and other environmental stressors. For us humans, eating plant foods rich in polyphenols can help protect our health.

Polyphenols play a key role in plants, helping them survive and develop. This is why when we consume these plants, we can benefit from their potential health benefits.

Polyphenols in the diet and their health properties

Regularly eating foods rich in polyphenols can have many health benefits. Here are some of them:

• Protection against heart disease: Polyphenols may help lower cholesterol levels, thereby preventing heart disease.
• Anti-aging: Thanks to their antioxidant properties, polyphenols can help fight free radicals, which can slow down the body’s aging process.
• Improved immune system function: Polyphenols support a healthy immune system, which may help prevent infections.
• Fighting inflammation: Some polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Your suggestions

If you want to introduce more polyphenols into your diet, here are some suggestions:

• Eat fruits and vegetables regularly, especially those with intense colors such as blueberries, spinach and peppers.
• Drink green or black tea instead of sweetened carbonated drinks.
• Add nuts, seeds and pumpkin seeds to your diet.
• If you are a red wine lover, consume red wine moderately.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in deepening your knowledge about polyphenols and their impact on health, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “The role of polyphenols in the prevention of heart disease” – available on the website of the American Heart Association.
• “Antioxidant properties of polyphenols” – an article published in the scientific journal “Free Radical Biology and Medicine”.
• “Dietary polyphenols and digestive health” – available on the National Institutes of Health website.

It is worth learning more about this topic to enjoy the benefits of polyphenols and take care of your health.