What is good for the gut health and is found in foods from veggies to chocolates??

Yes! It is Polyphenols.

They are phytochemicals naturally found in plants. It helps them keep strong and viable. They also give plants a certain color and taste.

These compounds are a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are vital to your health because they protect your cells from free radicals. These antioxidants scavenge these harmful invaders and potentially reverse the damage the free radicals caused. Polyphenol utilization requires gut bacteria, and its absorption promotes probiotic gut bacteria.

However, when consumed and broken down by gut bacteria, polyphenols can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. In addition, they feed gut bacteria and help support a healthy microbiome. They also have a positive effect on things like weight management and immune function.

Polyphenols are split up into four general groups: flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, and stilbenes. 

• FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are beneficial to your health because they are rich in antioxidants and contain anti-inflammatory agents.

• LIGNANS

Lignans are beneficial because the help to regulate hormone levels and help reduce levels of cortisol. 

• PHENOLIC ACIDS

Phenolic Acids are an anti-inflammatory agent that may help decrease your chances of developing many health diseases.

• STILBENES

Stilbenes is an anti-inflammatory agent that may help lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Polyphenols can often be found in a healthy diet containing fruits and vegetables. While a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables produce many benefits, polyphenols themselves have their own unique set of benefits worth considering.

Below are foods and beverages that are full of nutritious polyphenols.

Some of them might even surprise you!

• Fruits and Vegetables. Apples, artichokes, black currants, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, elderberries, olives, plums, raspberries, red chicory, red grapes, red onions, shallots, spinach, strawberries
• Seasonings. Celery seed (dried), cloves, cocoa powder, curry powder, ginger (dried), Mexican oregano, peppermint (dried), rosemary (dried), sage, spearmint (dried), star anise, sweet basil (dried), thyme
• Nuts, Seeds, and Oils. Almonds, cacao, chestnuts, flaxseed, hazelnuts, olive oil, pecans, rapeseed oil, soybeans
• Beverages. Apple juice (pure), beer, black tea, coffee, grapefruit juice (pure), green tea, oolong tea, pomegranate juice (pure), red wine

Polyphenols are micronutrients and the benefits you may experience consuming them in these healthy foods can be very beneficial.

Try adding more polyphenols into your meals and see how you feel!