The Power of Polyphenols

Ok, so the technical explanation of these beauties is: Polyphenols are a group of phytochemicals with potential health-promoting effects. They are classified as flavonoid (flavonols, flavanols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, and anthocyanins) and non-flavonoid molecules (phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, lignans, stilbenes, and tannins) https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010273

But the most important details for you as a bloke is that there is a growing bank of evidence that says consumption of foods high in polyphenols (think vegetables and fruit) might provide you with reduction in risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, many types of cancer, and even cognitive decline with age.

So, it's not surprising then that a diet high in vegetables and fruit (such as the Mediterranean diet, the D.A.S.H diet and even the Okinawa diet) have positive correlations with good health and yes, foods high in polyphenols, among others compounds, vitamins and minerals from a wide source of foods.

And there's good news. Polyphenols are not only found in vegetables and fruit. Some of the best alternate sources of polyphenols include: red Wine (Yay!), walnuts, black and green tea.

Next time you are scrolling through the myriad of advice out there (including this humble blog) remember that your pattern of eating over the course of your life is far more important to providing you with good health, than a 12 week program of starving yourself, restricting foods and flogging yourself stupid at the gym.

So try to develop a sustainable and regular pattern of eating vegetables and fruits. your body and mind will thank you.

Get back to healthy living.