Sources of Polyphenols

Polyphenols are chemicals derived from plants that may have the ability to protect the body against some health problems. They also may reverse some signs of aging. Polyphenols take on the role of antioxidants, acting as a protector against damage caused by free radicals. Polyphenols can also deactivate substances that cause cancer growth. Polyphenols that protect your body have a variety of sources.

Classification

• Polyphenols fall into two groups, non-flavonoids and flavonoids. Non-flavonoids have ellagic acids (fused four-ring polyphenol) found in strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Flavonoids consist of anthocyanins, catechins, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones.

Catechins

• Catechins are isolated from the plant Camellia sinensis, a crystalline substance. Catechins are in teas and wine, and a small amount is in chocolate and grapes. Teas containing polyphenols gather oxygen and nitrogen-free radicals. This process prevents damage caused in the body by free radicals in the atmosphere. Green tea has high sources of polyphenols, though all teas contain some polyphenols. This protects fatty membranes of cells, proteins and DNA. The actual value of polyphenols in tea is not yet known.

Anthocyanins and Flavones

• Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments from flowers ranging in color from red to violet. Flavones are a colorless crystalline aromatic substance found in leaves. Polyphenols sources containing anthocyanins and flavones are found in fruits like apples, kiwi, pears, plums, apricots, peaches, cherries and cherry tomatoes. They also are found in vegetables such as red cabbage, yellow onion, leeks, broccoli, artichokes, celery, parsley and kale.

Flavanones

• Flavanones are a colorless crystalline ketone found in a variety of plants. Polyphenols sources containing flavanones are found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits. The juices of these citrus fruits also yield a good source of polyphenols.

Isoflavones

• Isoflavone is a type of plant estrogen called phytoestrogen. Isoflavones are found mainly in soybeans. Polyphenol sources containing isaflavones include soy milk, soy flour, tofu, miso and boiled soybeans. Other products containing soy, such as soy bars, are also a good source of polyphenols.

Other Sources of Polyphenols

• Other sources of polyphenols are white, wheat corn and rice flour. Beans white or green and legumes are also good sources of polyphenols.