If you’re looking for ways to get healthier without having to make drastic changes to your lifestyle — incorporating more polyphenol-rich foods into your diet could be just what you need.
Polyphenols very well could be your key to easily unlocking a healthier you…
Polyphenol Rich Foods
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
They are also present in red wine and tea.
There are thousands of different types of polyphenols, each with its own unique set of benefits. The most common types of polyphenols include flavonoids (found in citrus fruits), lignans (found in grains), phenolic acids (found in berries), stilbenes (found in grapes), and tannins (found in tea).
Flavonoid rich foods…
This valuable component can be found in a variety of natural resources and provide an incredible benefit to our health. In fact, flavonoids are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them especially beneficial in helping to ward off serious illnesses.
Additionally, flavonoids help maintain normal blood pressure and work to reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
With flavonoids being so easily obtainable through various sources such as fruits, vegetables and tea, it’s easy for us to reap the rewards of this special component!
→ 5 Delicious Foods rich in Flavonoids
If you’re looking to max out your flavonoid intake, there are…
- Blueberries – a prime selection.
- Tart cranberries, or sweeten up dinner by mixing apples into your salads.
- Adding cilantro, the quintessential Mexican herb, to any meal will provide you with loads of antioxidants from the flavonol quercetin it contains.
- Spinach is also a great source of flavonoids if you want to whip up a quick salad—flavones and beta-carotene give it its colorful hue!
- Dark chocolate: rich in flavanols and boasting a delightful flavor, this treat should be indulged in for a tasty delivery of antioxidants.
Lignans are found in…
Lignans play a significant role in our quest for wellness. These powerful little compounds are found naturally in foods like flaxseed, sesame seeds, and oats, and they provide tons of essential benefits that range from decreasing cancer risk to reducing inflammation in the body.
Research has also shown lignans increase energy levels and improve digestion, making them an indispensable aid to a healthy lifestyle.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to promote well-being without breaking the bank, look no further than lignans – nature’s perfect superfood for overall health and wellness!
→ 5 Foods packed with Lignans
If you are looking to get your dose of lignans and reap their many benefits, reach for some:
- linseed / flaxseeds
- sesame seeds
- sunflower seeds
- oats
- lentils
These five foods are rich sources of lignans and will provide the body with all the benefits it needs. Furthermore, they are tasty additions to any dish – why not give sprinkling some linseeds on your morning oatmeal bowl or adding crunchy sunflower seeds to your salad a try?
Phenolic Acids are rich…
Phenolic acids are unique organic compounds found in various fruits, vegetables, spices and even tea. These remarkable components provide immense health benefits to our bodies.
The phenol acidic compounds help reduce inflammation, prevent infection and fight free radicals that contribute to the growth of cancer cells. They also act as antioxidants and can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Phenolic acids also boost digestion, support liver detoxification and promote healthy blood sugar levels. No matter how you look at it, phenolic acids can play an integral role helping us feel our best!
→ 5 Tasty Polyphenol Rich Foods with Phenolic Acids
- Olive oil – a must-have for many delicious dishes.
- Walnuts are great for snacking — a rich source of phenolic acids.
- Tea has high levels of phenolic acids that can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
- Berries come in a variety of flavors and all make a sweet addition to any meal — plus, each type contains its fair share of these crucial compounds.
- Spinach, which is easy to prepare, makes an excellent side dish that packs plenty of value nutritionally in addition to phenolic acids.
Stilbenes are…
Have you ever heard of stilbenes, nature’s gifts to our health? Stilbenes are naturally occurring structures found in some fruits and plants, and they have been proven to have incredible benefits for our bodies.
In studies, stilbenes have shown powerful effectiveness at fighting against heart disease, cancer, and neural decline, making them some of the most coveted compounds for those looking to lead a healthier life.
Plus, stilbenes come with almost no side effects – a bonus that’s hard to beat! Nature has provided us with a great gift in stilbenes; let’s continue using this incredibly effective tool in the fight against illness.
Eating healthy can feel intimidating, but there are actually a lot of options that make the process easy.
→ Polyphenol Rich Foods full of Stilbenes
- peanuts
- blueberries
- red grapes
- raspberries
- pomegranates
Tannins…
Natural tannins have become a major focus in the health industry and for good reason! Remarkable studies are being conducted to observe the incredible benefits tannins provide for digestion, circulation and overall well-being.
From improving gut health to reducing inflammation tannins aid a number of functions.
However, perhaps one of tannin’s most notable health benefits is its ability to inhibit bacteria growth, making tannins essential for protecting our bodies from potentially harmful microbes and keeping us strong!
Providing many health benefits including boosting immunity, natural tannins remain one of nature’s most important gifts.
A tannin-rich diet has been slowly gathering interest among foodies for its health benefits.
→ 5 lusciously tannic foods:
- Citrus, such as tangerines – the sweet citrusy flavor takes a whole new dimension of tartness when they contain tannins, making each bite an unique experience.
- Olives (green being higher in polyphenols than black) are no stranger to tannins either – adding a delicious complexity to every bite as you sink your teeth into them.
- Red wine is known to provide good amounts of tannin, creating a deep and complex flavor that makes it so popular among connoisseurs.
- Nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can give us much needed tannins along with their yummy tastes.
- Coffee beans bring a whole other level of tannic goodness with their bitterness, perfect for that morning cup of joe!
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Health Benefits of Polyphenol Rich Foods
Polyphenols are plant based compounds that have powerful antioxidant properties believed to help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Studies have shown that regular consumption of foods rich in polyphenols can reduce the risk of certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Plus, polyphenols may help
- improve digestion
- boost brain health and cognitive function
- reduce inflammation
- improve skin health
- prevent cell damage caused by UV radiation exposure
- even fight off infection-causing bacteria
How to Incorporate More Polyphenol Rich Foods Into Your Diet
The best way to get more polyphenol-rich foods into your diet is to eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
Aim for five servings per day from:
- dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach or kale;
- yellow or orange fruit or vegetable such as squash or carrots;
- red fruit or vegetable such as tomatoes or strawberries;
- blue/purple fruit or vegetable such as blueberries or eggplant;
- a legume such as chickpeas or lentils;
- whole grains such as oats or quinoa;
- nuts & seeds such as walnuts or chia seeds;
- healthy fats such as olive oil or avocado;
- herbs & spices such as turmeric or ginger; and
- at least one cup of black tea every day for an extra dose of polyphenol-rich goodness!
Not only will these foods provide numerous health benefits but they can also add an extra dimension of flavor to meals while helping you meet your daily recommended intakes of vitamins and minerals.
So go ahead—add some pomegranates to your oatmeal in the morning followed by some blueberries sprinkled over your lunchtime salad! You’ll be doing both your body and taste buds a favor!
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