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What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are known as plant-based antioxidants. They are considered the most abundant non-nutritive substances in foods and are specifically found in plants.
These are compounds lacking in nutritional function; they do not provide calories or act as vitamins or minerals. However, they are bioactive substances that impact the body and its functioning in various ways.
On an aesthetic level, they also help reduce the signs of aging and combat the effects of stress caused by UV exposure.
Benefits of Polyphenols:
Polyphenols help:
- Reduce the effect of free radicals.
- Maintain cellular function and structure.
- Prevent cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and degenerative diseases.
- Act as antioxidants in the body and also have vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-atherogenic functions.
- In some cases, they act on intestinal flora and have a prebiotic function, serving as a substrate for beneficial gut bacteria, reinforcing the body's defense barrier.
- Due to their anti-inflammatory function, they can contribute to reducing the risk of metabolic diseases and other conditions like arthritis.
- Regulate body fat.
Where to Find Them?
There are numerous types of polyphenols, but most of them are found in colourful fruits, vegetables, and legumes. The more raw and colourful, the better.
Main sources of polyphenols:
- Fruits and vegetables, especially those with red or purple colours like beetroot, eggplant, red cabbage, pomegranate, and grapes.
- Legumes and whole grains.
- Cabbage, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes, with a high antioxidant effect.
- Chocolate, extra virgin olive oil, or beer.
- Spices like dried mint or star anise.
- Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
- Nuts.
- Beverages like wine or tea, which have a high catechin content.
Regarding this last point, it's worth mentioning that a good option for consuming this beneficial antioxidant is to include black tea in our daily diet and routine. Black tea, in particular, contains polyphenols that help maintain a healthy bacterial flora, reducing the incidence of infections like salmonella and promoting good bacteria.
A perfect option is the Black Tea Set from Matcha & CO. Black tea is the variety of tea with 100% oxidation, resulting in an attractive dark colour. To obtain all its properties and nutrients, we grind the tea leaves into a fine powder, perfect for dissolving in water, milk, or plant-based beverages.
