Polyphenols are those chemical substances, which work as reducing agents and prevent oxidation. The oxidation process is the actual cause behind the ageing of the skin. Polyphenols are also present in various dietary elements. They’re packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits. Apart from these, the consumption of polyphenols is also beneficial if you are suffering from a few health issues like digestion issues, weight management difficulties, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cardiovascular diseases.
Following are some major food items, which contain polyphenols and are great to combat winter health issues:
Apples: Apples are known to be helpful in the case of controlling cholesterol levels. It is believed that both apple skin and its edible part consist of polyphenols. As we say, an apple a day keeps a doctor away. This saying stands right in its literal sense.
Red Wine: Red wine and black grape juice are said to have a special kind of polyphenol, which are known as resveratrol. It is found out to have various beneficial properties such as it helps in decreasing inflammation, stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which, signals the arteries to expand for smooth blood flow.
Chocolates: Chocolate is said to have many healthy values. It helps to control body temperature, keeps heart-healthy and is also suitable for skin. Among chocolate health benefits increases with the increase in the amount of coca. This is the reason why dark chocolates are considered to be healthier than milk chocolates.
Olive Oil: The purest form of olive oil is considered to be extra virgin olive oil. It is least processed with maximum nutrients. When it comes to Mediterranean food, olive oil is a must-have thing. It has been evidential through several studies that olive oil is helpful in the prevention of heart disease, strokes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers. These health benefits are directly connected to the number of polyphenols it contains.
Whole Grains: Whole grains likes wheat, rye oats have high quantities of polyphenols, which adds to the health quotient of these grains.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Including Oats In Your Diet Is A Good Idea
Benefits Of Polyphenols
These are the following health issues which could be controlled and prevented by polyphenols.
- Type-2 Diabetes: Polyphenols are found to have transformational effects on Type 2 diabetes. They enhance insulin sensitivity and retardate the process of sugar absorption by the body.
- Inflammation: Polyphenols have very beneficial effects when it comes to inflammation. This is the data according to a study done on various rats. Scientists think that similar results could be conferred in humans as well. This fundamental belief is because people who consume green tea can work more efficiently as green tea has high levels of polyphenols in it.
- Heart Disease: People who consume coca are found to be less prone to heart diseases as compared to those who don’t. This is because of polyphenols. Raw and less processed cocoa has high levels of polyphenols, which makes it extremely healthy.
- Obesity: Polyphenol intake also plays a significant role in body weight regulations. Polyphenol increases metabolic activity and in return which makes our body less lethargic and helps to increase the workout duration.
Also Read: Feeling Uneasy? A Few Drops Of Gripe Water From Your Infant's Kit Can Be Of Great Help
Though polyphenols are very beneficial, but can even harm someone if the person is allergic to certain food products or is suffering from some medical condition.
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