Polyphenols are organic chemicals that can be natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic. There are many different kinds, but antioxidant polyphenols are used in health supplements to combat the oxidation of cells that leads to cell damage or death.
Heath and diet supplements that contain polyphenols are meant to protect against cancer, heart disease, aging and skin damage such as wrinkles. Polyphenols have also shown promise in treating sleep apnea and inflammation. Also, improved memory function and treatment for diseases such as Alzheimer’s have also been linked to polyphenols.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Polyphenols and Cell Protection Polyphenols are antioxidants. Oxidation is a chemical process where one atom changes to another by exchanging electrons. When oxidation occurs in the body, some electrons are not used; they are “free,” and are called free radicals. Free radicals are beli... more
Polyphenols are antioxidants. Oxidation is a chemical process where one atom changes to another by exchanging electrons. When oxidation occurs in the body, some electrons are not used; they are “free,” and are called free radicals.
Free radicals are believed to cause damage or death to cells. They are thought to play a significant role in cancer, aging and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Antioxidants inhibit free radicals, thus reducing the damage caused to cells. Polyphenols can protect against heart disease, degenerative diseases and aging because of their antioxidant properties.
Antioxidant polyphenols are found in a wide array of foods. Fruits containing polyphenols include blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, grapes, cranberries and strawberries.
Vegetables that contain polyphenols include cabbage, broccoli and onions. They are also present in legumes such as soybeans, peas, lentils and peanuts. Other sources of polyphenols include honey, red wine, chocolate, teas and grains.
One type of oxidation that is dangerous for the heart is when LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, is oxidized. The oxidation is what caused the LDL cholesterol to clog arteries. The result is coronary heart disease.
Polyphenols work to halt the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thus preventing the clogged arteries that cause heart disease. This antioxidant action is why the consumption of red wine in moderation is touted by doctors as being good for the heart.
Polyphenols don’t protect you against high blood pressure, however. A Dutch study reported by Web MD showed no link between polyphenols and lowered blood pressure.
Another study, also reported on Web MD, showed that the polyphenols in green tea resulted in a significant increase in memory functioning. The tests were conducted with rats that were subjected to oxygen depletion to simulate sleep apnea over a period of two weeks.
The rats that were given polyphenols from green tea performed better on a memory test than the rats that were given only water. The tests were conducted by the Children’s Hospital Research Institute at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. They definitively showed that polyphenols in green tea could combat the memory loss associated with sleep apnea.
Polyphenols show promise in treating or preventing other types of memory loss as well, such as from Alzheimer’s. The polyphenols work as an antioxidant for free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide, which is thought to affect the brain in Alzheimer’s patients.
A 2011 study, which can be found at the US National Library of Medicine (NLM) website, showed that obese mice reacted to an extract containing polyphenols with lowered levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and fat concentrations. Similar reactions were not seen in mice that weren’t already obese, leading researchers to conclude that polyphenols will be useful as a complimentary treatment for obesity.
Polyphenols are also shown to protect cells from aging due to free radicals, inside and out. Noticeable signs of aging, such as wrinkles and discoloration, are caused from natural elements, such as UV rays, and from toxicants, such a cigarette smoking and pollution.
Inner signs of aging, such as arthritis and slow healing, are caused by free radicals, too. Polyphenols fight the signs of aging whether they are caused by natural aging or damaging habits and environments.
Studies are ongoing in the use of polyphenols to combat many forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. An abstract in the medical journal “Elsevier” outlines a review of data about polyphenols and green tea. The abstract cites multiple instances where the polyphenols in green tea contributed to a decrease in development of prostate cancer.
The connection between green tea and a lower risk of many types of cancers was first recognized years ago. When the cancer rates in Asia, where tea is consumed daily, were compared to cancer rates in Western countries, it was clear that those who regularly drank green tea had lower rates of cancer.
As polyphenols in supplements are derived mainly from plant sources, there are few side effects associated with taking it. However, it is possible that those allergic to those plants or fruits might have an allergic reaction to polyphenols.
Anyone taking polyphenols who experiences difficulty breathing, swallowing, a rash or dizziness, should seek immediate medical attention.
You should always speak with your doctor and pharmacist before starting any new medicine, vitamin or health supplement. Certain sources for polyphenol could have adverse reactions with certain medications.
Women who are pregnant or nursing and people who are expecting to have surgery should speak with a doctor about the safety of polyphenol supplements.
Polyphenols are found in pill, powder and liquid form, usually with other ingredients. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how to take it.
Use the free supplement finder to locate products containing polyphenols now!
| Contraindicated For Certain Drugs Or Medication |
| Possible Allergic Reaction |
| Polyphenols |
| Alzheimer's |
| Anti-Aging |
| Antioxidant |
| Arterial Health |
| Cancer Prevention |
| Inflammation |
| Lowering Cholesterol |
| Memory |
| Prevents Heart Disease |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Skin Issues |
| Wrinkles |
| Combats Cell Damage |
| Combats Oxidation |
| Sleep Apnea |