Foods that contain polyphenols for health

Polyphenols are one of the most important compounds for health. The content of poylphenol is widely available in various food sources. Polyphenols do a lot for the health of the body.

According to many studies, regular consumption of foods high in polyphenols for a long time can protect the body from the development of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and various kinds of neurological diseases. Then, what are the foods that contain polyphenols?

What are polyphenols?

Polyphenols are phytochemical compounds that are naturally contained in plants. These compounds provide various colors (pigments) in food. Not only that, polyphenols also serve to protect plants from harm.

Not only able to protect plants, polyphenols that enter the human body are also able to protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals. That is why polyphenols are able to act as antioxidants in the body.

You can find this compound in fruits, vegetables and cereals naturally. Fruits, such as grapes, apples, pears, cherries, and berries contain polyphenols up to 200-300 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams. Sufficient amounts can protect your body's cells from damage. This is one reason why eating lots of vegetables and fruit is so important.

What are the food sources that contain polyphenols?

1. Fruits that contain polyphenols

In addition to apple grapes and cherries as mentioned above, the United States Department of Agriculture also recommends that you eat berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries as food sources that contain polyphenols which are quite rich.

A study published in the March 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, found that fruits such as red grapes, cherries, apples, black plums, red pomegranates and apricots are also good for health because they are high in polyphenols and antioxidants.

2. Vegetables that contain polyphenols

All vegetables generally contain polyphenols or antioxidants. However, if you are looking for a food source that is high in polyphenols, choose vegetables with bright or intense colors, not pale ones.

Some examples of vegetables that contain polyphenols are spinach, shallots, broccoli, asparagus, and carrots. Eating three to five servings of vegetables every day is highly recommended to support maximum physical health.

3. Seeds and nuts

Grains and nuts are also a source of foods that are high in polyphenols. In nuts, soybeans are one type of bean that contains high polyphenols. In addition, legumes also contain high sources of antioxidants. Some types of nuts that contain lots of polyphenols are black beans, white beans, chestnuts, hazelnuts, candlenuts, almonds, and walnuts.

4. Other food sources that contain polyphenols

Some drinks such as coffee and tea also contain a lot of polyphenols. Other than that, wine or red wine, chocolate, and margarine also contain high antioxidants.

However, there are some drinks such as coffee or tea that should not be consumed too much. This is because basically coffee and tea contain high caffeine. Everything that is excessive is certainly not good for the body.