Lower inflammation with polyphenols
When I think about polyphenols, the first things that come to mind are chocolate, berries, and green tea. These are all staples in my daily routine—not just because I love them, but because they make me feel good. Green tea helps me power through afternoon slumps, while dark chocolate is my go-to healthy treat.
What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are powerful compounds found in many foods, herbs, and spices. They are known for their antioxidant properties, helping to prevent oxidative stress and cellular degeneration. More importantly, polyphenols are particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health. It’s no surprise that the Mediterranean diet, rich in polyphenol-packed foods like olive oil and wine, is linked to lower inflammation, reduced cholesterol, and a lower risk of heart disease.
Polyphenols prevent oxidative stress and cellular degeneration.
The Four Main Types of Polyphenols
There are over 8,000 known polyphenols, but they are generally classified into four main groups:
Flavonoids (60%) – Found in olive oil, berries, dark chocolate, and green tea.
Phenolic Acids (30%) – Abundant in coffee and certain fruits.
Polyphenolic Amides – Present in foods like chili peppers.
Other Polyphenols – This group includes stilbenes (berries), resveratrol (red wine), lignans (flaxseeds), and curcumin (turmeric).
The polyphenol content in food depends on factors such as farming practices, storage conditions, and preparation methods, but their health benefits remain significant.
The Health Benefits of Polyphenols
Blood Sugar Regulation
Anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol found in berries and grapes, help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing insulin absorption. This prevents sugar spikes and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.Heart Health
Polyphenols, especially lignans found in flaxseeds, have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. They help decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing the risk of blood clots.Gut Health
Polyphenols promote gut health by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful ones. Green tea, for example, is rich in polyphenols that support proteobacteria, a type of good bacteria essential for digestion.Brain Function & Cognitive Health
Foods rich in polyphenols, such as dark chocolate and Ginkgo biloba, improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and concentration.
How to Incorporate More Polyphenols into Your Diet
Aside from chocolate, berries, green tea, and even a daily glass of red wine, there are plenty of polyphenol-rich foods to enjoy, including:
Turmeric
Pomegranate juice
Olive oil
Nuts and seeds
For a convenient boost, Semaine Health The Daily is packed with powerful ingredients including polyphenol-rich grape seed extract, while Tusol polyphenol-rich protein bars enhances cognitive function and energy levels.
Try incorporating more polyphenols into your diet and feel the difference!
Let us know your favorites!
