Polyphenols are plant-derived dietary compounds that have been postulated to protect against certain chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurogenerative diseases and and cancer
What are polyphenols
Polyphenols are classified into different groups on the basis of their chemical structure. The main classes are phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans.
Despite extensive research, the exact mechanism of action of polyphenols in the human body remains unclear.It is suggested by research that gut mictrobiota modulate these polyphenols and transform them into physiological active compound that can be absorbed and have been linked with reducing risks of chronic diseases.
Health benefit of polyphenols
Glucose metabolism
Polyphenols regulate glucose homeostasis glucose as they increase insulin secretion. Additionally, studies show polyphenols inhibiting two enzymes vital for metabolizing glucose from dietary carbohydrate: α-amylase and α-glucosidase, slowing down glucose release and absorption and ultimately reducing high blood sugar following a meal. varios studies link intake of ployphenole rich diet to prevention of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2diabetes. Accordingly, individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes are encouraged to eat more plant foods, which of course are rich sources of polyphenols.
Heart diseases
Adding polyphenols in your diet may improve heart health. In many studies, regular consumption of cocoa, or flavanol extract of cocoa, is associated with reduced blood pressure and cholesterol. Cocoa, green tea, and black tea all contain Epicatechin, an imortant polyphenol which act at cellular level and imporve endothelial function and inhibit platlet aggregation, thus reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Brain health
Polyphenols exhibit tremendous potential in treating and preventing neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer disease, Parkinson and huntington disease. Metanalysis and epidemilogical studies strongly suggest that polyphenols rich diet improve cognitive functions in elderly people.
May protect again cancer
Polyphenolsact as antioxidants and anti inflammatory and have been reported to be efficaious in the prevention of cancer. Polyphenols can inibit the proliferation of prostrate, bladder, lung, gastrointestinal, breast and ovarian cancer.
Oral health
Polyphenols are actually present in the highest concentration in oral cavity, and it is believed that they may prevent dental caries formation. This effect is based on polyphenols’ antibacterial activity, but it can be also mediated by inhibition of enzymes glucosyltransferase B and C, responsible for the production of insoluble polysaccharides, that can form a plaque and contribute to adherence of oral bacteria to the dental surface.
Divers polyphenols, divers health benefit
Coffee (phenolic acids)
Tea (condensed tanninGrape (resveratrol)
Apple (flavonoid)
Berries (anthocyanins)
Buckwheat (Rutin, Quercetin)
Oat (Avenanthramides)
Alfalfa (Apigenin)
Beetroot (Betalains)
Various herbs
shall i take polyohenols supplement
Polyphenols rich supplemet confer additonal health benefit but high dose cause toxicity. However, the upper limit of plasma concentation of polyphenols before the elobration of advers effect is unkown. Morover, a considerable amount of evidence support the hypothesis that polyphenols can cause advers effect through their pro oxidative action.
Consumption of polyphenols as healthy dietary component is consistent with the advice to eat five or more potions of fruits and vegetable per day, but it is still unclear the exact dose of specific polyphenols that can be safely and beneficiially consumed.
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