Polyphenols

Polyphenols are not only found in colourful fruits and vegetables but they are also found in dark chocolate, herbs, spices, tea and coffee. They work by neutralising harmful free radicals that damage our cells that can cause oxidative damage. They also support digestion and can lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. They can lower inflammation in the body that leads to insulin resistance and stabilise blood sugar and fat metabolism. Their essential gut restoration properties include feeding good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, strengthening the gut lining so essential in repairing gut cell wall damage that occurs in barrier dysfunction, they fight harmful pathogenic bacteria and improve microbiome balance and increase the production of Butyrate. There are many different types of polyphenols such as Flavonoids that are found in onions, broccoli, blueberries and green tea, Stilbenes which include resveratrol found in grapes, Lignans mainly found in linseeds and Phenolic Acid found in tea. The body does not necessarily absorb polyphenols efficiently especially if your digestion is already compromised as the microbiota play an important role in breaking down the polyphenolic structures into smaller metabolites. Polyphenols also have a prebiotic effect on the microbiome especially green tea, but sometimes it can be beneficial to take them in a supplement form to enhance absorption if you are dealing with more serious gut issues. I can help with incorporating a wide range of polyphenols into your diet, as most food sources contain relatively low levels and being fat soluble it is important to know when to eat them and with what.