What Are Polyphenols and Why Do You Need Them?

You already know that antioxidants are an important thing to get in your diet for a variety of reasons. But one the most potent antioxidants out there are polyphenols, whose origin comes from their job of protecting plants. Since that is what they are designed for, they can do some pretty hard work protecting you as well.

Polyphenols are compounds that can neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are formed when molecules with weak bonds are split. The free radical then attempts to gain stability by going after other molecules to snag it’s electron, and the process can snowball from there. Some free radicals will always occur naturally in the body and the body will treat them like a bacteria or virus and neutralize them. But it’s when we are overloaded with free radicals from our diet, environment, etc, that we can begin to have a problem.

An over abundance of free radicals can start to affect the healthy cells in our body and negatively influence our immune system, and the overall health of the body.

Luckily antioxidants can help stop the process by donating one of their electrons which neutralizes the free radical. Fruits and vegetables are some of the best places to get antioxidants, but to get polyphenols in general you should looking at foods like pomegranates, berries, grapes, apples, onions, pears, cocoa, and kale.

Since polyphenols are found in grapes, they are also found in red wine. Green tea and fruit juices are also good sources. One study done at UCLA found that pomegranate juice was the best source of polyphenols when it comes to loading up on them, because the pomegranate actually contains two different versions of the polyphenols.

Pomegranate juice can be found at most health and grocery stores, and it can be drank straight or used to add some flavor to your juices or smoothies. The juice can be a little tart so people usually like to mix it with something. Here are some ideas:

Pomegranate spritzer: Mix a bit of pomegranate juice with some bubbly water and make your own spritzer.

Pomegranate cocktail: Why not counteract some of the booze with an extra boost of antioxidants? Make mixed drinks using pomegranate juice as a flavoring agent for tasty and healthy drinks.

Pomegranate salad dressing: When you’re mixing up your own salad dressing at home you can substitute pomegranate juice for the vinegar and mix it with some oil for an extra healthy salad dressing.

Pomegranate ice cubes: An easy way to get more pomegranate juice into your day is freeze some cubes of it and then pop them into your water or other drinks throughout the day.