Polyphenols are being talked about more and more. The reason is simple. They are a very powerful tool that everyone can have at their disposal at the table to boost health and stay in shape.
For example, it helps the liver, an extremely important organ for eliminating toxins and excess waste substances.
They also have excellent anti-aging properties, which is why their presence in the diet is essential for aging less and staying healthy.
But the benefits these compounds offer go far beyond that.
What Are Polyphenols and Why Should We Introduce More of Them?
What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are antioxidants found in plants. They are compounds that belong to several groups, including lignans, flavonoids, stilbenes, and phenolic acids.
In Which Foods Are They Found?
Polyphenols are present in various foods, including tea (especially white and green), which is rich in catechins, chocolate, abundant in flavonoids, and vegetables. The best way to ensure their intake is by consuming vegetables and fruits at every meal throughout the day. Red and yellow varieties stand out for their richness in quercetin and resveratrol.
Whole grains also contain a portion of polyphenols, particularly lignans and other phenolic acids.
Another way to ensure intake is to enrich dishes with spices and herbs like thyme, oregano, and sage, and season them with raw extra virgin olive oil, which is also a valuable source of polyphenols.
More Polyphenols in the Diet: The Benefits
Polyphenols are molecules that play an important role in preventing major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and in all processes that promote the degeneration of organs, tissues, and cells, as they counteract the action of free radicals and oxidative processes. These are associated with various disorders and diseases, from cardiovascular issues to diabetes.
When included in the daily diet, polyphenols also act as a shield to improve lipid profiles and fight inflammation.
These minerals improve the gut microbiota and help avoid blood sugar spikes, as they can reduce blood sugar levels, preventing metabolic diseases. Polyphenols are also true allies of beauty, particularly for the skin and hair, protecting them from damage caused by major external agents, including exposure to UV rays from the sun.
They are also friends of women’s health. Polyphenols include phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans—molecules that, due to their structure being similar to that of female estrogen hormones, help maintain hormonal balance.
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This article first appeared on Grazia. it – Angela Altomare
