• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Panlasang Pinoy logo

  • Recipes
  • Start Here
  • Cooking Schools
  • About
Home » Food and Health » Benefits of Polyphenols in Food

Benefits of Polyphenols in Food

What are polyphenols?

You probably know that red wine and dark chocolate are good for your health, but ever wondered why? The answer lies in antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols in food are believed to have amazing effects on the body, some of which include reduction in inflammation, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and pain relief. Although wine and chocolate are the most talked-about sources of polyphenols, there are many other foods that contain adequate amounts of these disease-fighting antioxidants. Incorporating these foods into your diet is the simplest and most affordable way to treat your condition and improve your wellbeing.

Which foods contain polyphenols?

Although the study of polyphenols in food is still in its early stages, research states there are almost 8000 types. They can, however, be divided into four categories: flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans and phenolic acids. All these can be found in different everyday food items and perform unique functions when consumed. It is not advisable to target specific foods for the type of polyphenols they contain. Instead, aim to eat a balanced diet of the mentioned foods for maximum results.

The best sources of polyphenols are unsweetened cocoa usually found in dark chocolate, green tea, coffee, red wine, beans and dark berries. Apples, cherries, purple grapes, citrus fruits and plums are also rich in antioxidants. Vegetables such as broccoli and radishes are known to have high polyphenol content, together with legumes, algae, grains and some cereals.

Polyphenols and inflammation

Inflammation in the body has two natures. On one side, it is a good sign that your body is actively fighting disease. On the other, too much inflammation can cause disease or worsen existing ones. Many heart attacks, cancers and cases of arthritis, diabetes and asthma are a result of excessive inflammation. A polyphenol-rich diet can effectively treat the inflammation that leads to these life-threatening conditions.

Polyphenols and heart disease

Polyphenols in food can help keep your heart healthy and prevent different kinds of cardiovascular diseases. Foods such as red wine and green tea can help you maintain good cholesterol levels and stop fat from accumulating in the blood vessels. The antioxidants also prevent blood clots and inflammation, which are some of the leading causes of cardiac arrest.

Polyphenols and cancer

An interesting discovery by the American institute of Cancer Research has named polyphenols as one of the most effective ways to treat cancer. Ellagic acids in particular proved to have a reversing effect on cancer by stunting the growth of cancer cells and destroying substances in the body that cause malignant tumors. Ellagic polyphenols are highly present in purple grapes and green tea.

Taking supplements

The content of polyphenols in food is enough to prevent and treat a range of diseases, provided you add an adequate water intake to your diet as well. However, in cases when you need the antioxidants’ healing capabilities urgently, taking polyphenol supplements in tablet form might be a good option. Speak to your physician first about the dosage you need before purchase.

Related Recipes:

  • Valentine's Food Your Way: Recipes for Romance 
    Valentine's Food Your Way: Recipes for…
  • 11 Picnic Food Ideas
    11 Picnic Food Ideas
  • 5 Filipino Food That Make Me Feel Insane, In A Good Way
    5 Filipino Food That Make Me Feel…
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
    Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
  • Health Benefits of Ginger
    Health Benefits of Ginger
  • Turmeric Health Benefits
    Turmeric Health Benefits

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Latest Recipes

corned beef nachos filipino recipe

Loaded Nachos with Corned Beef

longganisa pasta recipe

Longganisa Pasta Recipe

creamy chicken pasta carbonara alfredo

Filipino Chicken Pasta Alfredo

how to cook burger steak with gravy

Pinoy Buger Steak With Gravy

RECIPES

All Recipes

Top Recipes

how does empanadas taste like?

Chicken Empanada

Siopao

Siopao Asado Recipe

Brazo de Mercedes

Pandesal with Coffee

Pandesal Recipe

Baked Macaroni Panlasang Pinoy

Baked Macaroni Recipe

Embutido Recipe

Max’s style Fried Chicken

Egg Pie Recipe

KFC Style Gravy Recipe

Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe)

pork siomai recipe

Pork Siomai Recipe

Cassava Cake Recipe

Pork Adobo Recipe

Pork Adobo

Espasol Recipe

Banana Bread

Banana Bread Recipe

How to Make Rice Cake Bibingka

Bibingka Recipe

Jollibee Style Spaghetti

Custard Cake Recipe

biko recipe panlasang pinoy

Biko Recipe

Ginataang Hipon Sitaw at Kalabasa

Ginataang Hipon Sitaw at Kalabasa

Categories

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Food and Health
  • Diet and Weight Loss
  • What’s Cooking?
  • Philippines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • HTML Sitemap
Copyright © 2009 - 2022 · Panlasang Pinoy