• Art
    • Prints
      • All Prints
      • Silent Generations
    • Originals
  • Wallpaper
    • All Wallpaper
      • Honeysuckle
      • Pure Life
      • Divine Femme
  • Books
  • Modern Magic by Katie Leigh

  • Coaching
    • Business Coaching
    • Resources
  • About
  • Blog
0

Modern Magic by Katie Leigh

Self-care

Polyphenols – The Antioxidant to Rule them all

July 31, 2018

 

We’ve all been told that antioxidants are good for us and to eat our vegetables. But what does this mean? What is an antioxidant, where do we find them and what are they doing for us?

Let’s start at the very beginning. 

An antioxidant helps prevent cell damage. It inhibits the oxidation of a molecule which can produce free radicals and other pollutants in the body that break down cells. 

Polyphenols are a group of 500 phytochemical and are only some of the antioxidants that exist. However, this is the #1 type of antioxidant found in the human diet. 

While studies are still being made to understand what exactly polyphenols do for the body and how they protect us against disease, this much we know; polyphenols can help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and have been suggested to help in preventing neurodegenerative diseases as well diabetes mellitus. Most of this is because polyphenols help with anti-inflammation, and all of these diseases fall under inflammation – Polyphenols are helping with you cell damage which increases with signs of inflammation.

There are three main types of polyphenols associated with increasing your health:

  1. Phenolic Acid – found in the seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables, Phenolic acid is most notable for it anti-inflammatory properties like all polyphenols. One form of Phenolic Acid, Gallic-Acid, has been known to be a good antihistamine and reduce inflammation from allergies. Capsaicin, another type of Phenolic Acid has been known to reduce the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood. Overall, Phenolic acid is also beneficial for treating skin conditions and increase the immune system. 
  1. Flavonoids – This polyphenol is responsible for the color pigment in fruits and vegetables. They help with protecting the skin, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, the function of the brain and decreasing inflammation. 
  1. Lignans  – Heavily found in linseed and flaxseed, you can also find it in grains, fruit, and vegetables. However, Linseed has almost 1,000x as much Lignans. Lignans are food for intestinal bacteria. Lignans act as an estrogen-like substance and are thought to help in breast cancer and ovarian, but scientists are still learning if this is true or not. 

Overdosing by a natural diet is unheard of when it comes to Polyphenols, however, when taking a supplement it has been documented that too many polyphenols can cause kidney damage and tumor development. Be sure to talk to a doctor when looking into adding supplements to your diet. 

If you’re looking to add more polyphenols to your diet, here are the foods with the highest amount of polyphenols

  1. Cloves
  2. Star anise
  3. Cocoa Powder
  4. Mexican oregano
  5. Celery seed (a wonderful tea)
  6. Black Chokeberry
  7. Dark Chocolate
  8. Flaxseed meal (body can’t digest full flaxseed)
  9. Black Elderberry
  10. Chestnut. 

 

Want to learn more about Polyphenols?

About Polyphenols
More about Phenolic Acid
Learn more about Flavonoids
Learn more about Lignans

[siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Image”][/siteorigin_widget]
[siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Image”][/siteorigin_widget]
[siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Image”][/siteorigin_widget]
Share
Katie Leigh

Bonjour, I'm Katie Leigh. I wear many hats but I call myself an artist and slow living advocate. Here on this blog, you'll find me writing about living intentionally and my life in the slow lane. If you want articles like these sent directly to your inbox sign up for my newsletter with the form in the righthand sidebar!

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

September 2, 2018

Gut Health 101

January 17, 2022

What Does Self-Care Actually Mean?

June 14, 2022

What’s Wearing You Down is “The Thought”

Bonjour, I’m Katie

I'm here to show you the magic in the ordinary. In slowing down and tuning in you'll find new inspiration in your life and your work. Join me on this journey to living intentionally and see how a little modern magic can transform your world.

Find What You Need

Support Charity Water

One of the many magics of my everyday is having access to clean drinking water. Help others experience the same magic by donating to Charity Water.

Favorite Brands

25% Off Moo

$10 off Birthday Books

50% off 17Hats

20% off August Uncommon

10% off Brighton Cookie Cutters

Grow Your Art Business, Sell Wholesale with Faire

Lets Collaborate Together

How can I help put a little magic in your life? Let's connect!

Connect with me

  • Services
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Modern Magic by Katie Leigh. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.