Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a group of phytochemicals found in plants.
Polyphenols are responsible for the coloring of many fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols
protect plants from ultraviolet light and diseases and help prevent damage to seeds until
they germinate. The flavonoids (distributed in plant foods) are one of the more nutritionally
important classes of polyphenols:
Proanthocyanins, Anthocyanins/Anthocyanidins, Tannins, Isoflavones, Lignins, Hesperidin etc.
Research indicates that a class of polyphenols has antioxidant effect with potential health benefits.
Scientific researches have shown that polyphenols are
powerful antioxidants that can protect cell membranes from the damaging effects of
free radical, harmful
compounds that are formed in our bodies or absorbed
from our surroundings, and induced oxidative damage.
Polyphenols also serve as potent
free radical scavengers within the body and can neutralize free radicals before they
can cause cellular damage.
The polyphenol antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, the onset of Alzheimer's,
protect and regenerate other antioxidants,
have anti-inflammatory activity,
strengthen blood vessels.
Polyphenols are present in several different botanicals,
most notably grape skin and grape seed extracts, orange skin,
peanuts, red wine, green tea, white tea,
olive oil and olive derivatives, pomegranates, onions and other fruits and vegetables.
 Top
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are large water-soluble pigment groups
found in a large number of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
These are the pigments that give plants their brilliant
colours ranging from pink through scarlet, purple and
blue. Some pharmaceutical effects of anthocyanins
have been suggested, such as in the treatment of cardiovascular
diseases and in ophthalmology.
Over 300
structurally distinct anthocyanins have been identified
in nature. Anthocyanins are one class of flavonoid compounds,
which are widely distributed plant polyphenols.
Anthocyanins have high antioxidant potential.
- Most anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anthocyanins benefit the immunological defences.
- Anthocyanins benefit the heart – have positive effect on the
cardiovascular system.
|
