Effects of Polyphenols

Polyphenols are antioxidants that are found in a variety of foods and drinks and provide a number of health benefits for individuals. While the true effects of polyphenols are only just beginning to be realized, a number are already known. Though they don't provide energy and may not make much of a difference in the way a healthy person normally feels, the things they do inside the body more than make up for it. However, as with many different types of diets, the type of polyphenols and the amount consumed can make a significant difference.

Location

• Before getting into a discussion of the benefits of polyphenols, it is best to understand exactly where they come from. Fruits are generally high in antioxidants, including the family known as polyphenols. Vegetables can also be a good source. Some drinks, especially those from natural sources, may be good sources as well. For those who like chocolate, there is good news here, too. Cocoa has more polyphenols, by weight, than nearly any other food.

Tea

• While black tea is very popular in much of Western culture and green tea seems to dominate in the East, the research concerning polyphenols suggests it does not matter which type is preferred. Studies have indicated that the amount of polyphenols is comparable no matter which type of tea is consumed (see Resources).

Free Radicals

• Free radicals are unstable molecules that need an additional electron to gain stability. This can cause harm to beneficial molecules in the body. It is thought that antioxidants, such as polyphenols, may help reduce free radicals by giving them a needed electron yet remaining stable themselves, thus neutralizing the threat to other body molecules.

Heart Disease

• Heart disease is the top killer in the United States and around the world. Polyphenols help promote cardiovascular health by promoting healthier blood vessels. Polyphenols increase nitric oxide in the body, thus helping prevent the fatty deposits on the inside of blood vessels responsible for many forms of heart disease. For more information, see the Resources.

Cancer

• In addition to helping fight the top killer of people around the world, polyphenols also battle the second-leading cause of death. The effects of polyphenols on cancers, particularly certain types of cancers, is still being studied. However, research suggests there are benefits both in the prevention and the treatment of cancer.

The Dosage

• Curiously, the effects of polyphenols are different depending on how much is taken. For prevention of cancer or for stopping malignant tumors, a higher amount of the antioxidants are recommended. For heart disease, a lesser amount is often recommended.

Other Forms

• In 2009, the University of California was conducting a study on the effects of polyphenols in pill form. More studies are also being done concerning polyphenols in tea. However, a study by The Ohio State University suggests that some polyphenols will be more effective than others, especially against fighting cancer. For more information, see the Resources.