Advantages of Plant-Based Supplements: Exploring the Potent Polyphenols

by Vorst Canada July 28, 2023

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Table of Contents:

Introduction
Understanding Polyphenols
The Power of Plant-Based Supplements
Unraveling the Benefits of Polyphenols
Types of Plant-Based Supplements
Choosing the Right Plant-Based Supplement
Incorporating Polyphenols into Your Diet
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Conclusion
References

Welcome to our full guide to polyphenols and the benefits of supplements made from plants. In this article, we'll learn a lot about polyphenols, including their many health benefits and the different types of supplements made from plants. Our goal is to give you useful information and insights so that you can make smart decisions about how to use polyphenols in your everyday life.

How to Know About Polyphenols

Polyphenols are chemicals that are found naturally in plants. The scientific community has paid a lot of attention to these bioactive compounds because they might be good for your health. Polyphenols are what give fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods their bright colours. They are a group of different chemicals, and each type of polyphenol has its own benefits.

How supplements made from plants can help you

Plant-based supplements have become more popular in recent years, and for good reason. These supplements are a convenient way to add important nutrients, like polyphenols, to your diet. By using the power of these natural compounds, plant-based supplements can help with many parts of health and overall well-being.

Polyphenols: Getting to Know Their Benefits

Heart and Blood Vessels

Polyphenols have been studied a lot because they might be good for the health of your heart. They may help lower the risk of heart disease by promoting healthy blood flow, helping blood vessels work well, and helping to keep cholesterol levels at a healthy level. Also, some polyphenols have mild effects that lower blood pressure, which is good for the health of the heart.

Antioxidant Properties

Free radicals in the body cause oxidative stress, which must be fought with antioxidants. As powerful antioxidants, polyphenols help get rid of these harmful free radicals. This keeps our cells from getting hurt. By adding supplements that are high in polyphenols to your diet, you can help your body fight off oxidative damage and age in a healthy way.

Effects on inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to a number of health problems, such as long-term diseases and autoimmune diseases. Anti-inflammatory properties have been found in some polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and ease its symptoms. By lowering inflammation, these polyphenols may help improve overall health and lower the risk of diseases that cause inflammation.

Immune System Support

To avoid getting sick and stay in good health, you need a strong immune system. Researchers have found that some polyphenols can change the way the immune system works, making it better able to fight off pathogens. Regularly taking supplements made from plants that are high in polyphenols may help your immune system work better and keep you healthier in the long run.

What Kinds of Supplements Come from Plants?

There are a lot of different plant-based supplements that you can choose from. Here are some of the most well-known ones that are high in polyphenols:

Extract of Green Tea

Green tea extract comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. It has a lot of catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which are polyphenols. Green tea has been linked to a number of health benefits, such as better brain function, keeping your weight down, and more antioxidant activity.

Resveratrol

Polyphenols like peanuts, red grapes, and berries all contain resveratrol. People are interested in it because it might slow down aging and help keep the heart healthy. Supplements with resveratrol are easy to find and a good way to take advantage of its benefits.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that can be found in apples, onions, berries, and other foods. Researchers have looked into the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects of this polyphenol, which makes it a popular choice for people who want to improve their overall health.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, an Indian spice that is often used in cooking. This polyphenol is well-known for its strong anti-inflammatory effects, and it has been studied to see if it could help treat conditions that cause inflammation.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a group of polyphenols that are found in a wide range of plant-based foods. They have been linked to many health benefits, such as helping the heart and having antioxidant properties.

How to Choose the Right Supplement Made from Plants

It's important to think about your personal health goals and needs when choosing a plant-based supplement. Different supplements have different health benefits, so it's important to pick one that fits your health goals. Talking to a doctor or a qualified nutritionist can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Polyphenols: How to Add Them to Your Diet

Even though supplements can be a convenient way to get more polyphenols, it's also important to eat a well-balanced diet with lots of foods that contain polyphenols. By eating a wide range of colourful fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains at each meal, you can get a wide range of polyphenols and other important nutrients.

Possible Side Effects and Safety Measures

Polyphenols are generally thought to be safe and helpful for most people. However, some people may experience mild side effects or have their medications interact with polyphenols. It's important to take the recommended amount and talk to a doctor if you have any health problems or are taking other medicines.

In conclusion, polyphenols are important bioactive compounds that are found in plant-based foods and have been studied a lot for their health benefits. By adding polyphenol-rich plant-based supplements to your diet and eating a variety of healthy, colourful foods, you can help your heart health, boost your antioxidant defences, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your immune system.

Keep in mind that everyone's health journey is different, so it's important to choose supplements based on your own needs and talk to a doctor or nurse for personalized advice.

References and Resources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15643541/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10917926/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15113710/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2829848/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5656772/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15640487/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19292976/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18686754/