The Paramount Antioxidants Are Indeed Polyphenols!
David Janitzek
2026-03-19
4 min. read
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Polyphenols belong to a class of antioxidants that counteract oxidation processes in the body, which are caused by the action of free radicals.
What precisely are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are naturally occurring organic compounds that belong to the group of phenols. The main function of polyphenols in the body is to combat free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that react with other acids in the human body and cause inflammation of their tissues. Factors that exacerbate the development of free radicals in the body include smoking, excessive alcohol or drug use, long-term sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep, frequent consumption of grilled and smoked foods, frequent viral and bacterial infections, and exposure to polluted areas. Free radicals are the cause of many diseases, such as diabetes, kidney failure, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, degenerative joint disease, brain defects (senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, stroke), skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, premature aging), eye problems (cataracts, macular degeneration), digestive system disorders (gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers), cancers of the ovaries, testicles, colon, uterus, kidneys, bladder, breast, lungs, skin, pancreas, circulatory system pathologies (coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, arrhythmias and myocardial infarction).
Characteristics of Polyphenols
Polyphenols inhibit the activity of oxidizing enzymes such as lipoxygenase and cycloxygenase and prevent the formation of metallic ions. Through this action, they have anti-cancer properties. They remove free radicals from the environment of genetic material, preventing its modifications (mutations). Additionally, quercetin inhibits the proliferation of cancerous cells and destroys them. Polyphenols also have an anti-atherosclerotic effect by limiting the activity of lipoxygenase, which prevents the development of inflammation in the body. Furthermore, by limiting the activity of cycloxygenase, they inhibit the formation of blood clots and reduce the permeability of blood vessels. Catechins lower the cholesterol level of the LDL fraction, while anthocyanins increase the cholesterol level of the HDL fraction. Hyperoside lowers blood pressure. Polyphenols also have a positive effect on the immune system by protecting the liver from infections with the hepatitis A and B virus and preventing the development of Helicobacter pylori. Polyphenols also have a positive effect on the skin by improving its moisture, having an anti-wrinkle effect, stimulating cell division of the skin, promoting the production of collagen and elastin, and having a lightening effect on pigment spots. Polyphenols also have an anti-allergic effect and prevent neurological diseases as well as the risk and development of eye diseases.
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Polyphenols are present in the most abundant quantities in plants. In the case of fruits which can be considered as their source, they include black chokeberry, blackcurrant, peaches, cherries, dog rose, pomegranates, grapefruit, apples, berries (such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, currants), oranges, strawberries, grapes, and cherries. The most antioxidant vegetables include broccoli, beetroot, onions, red peppers, garlic, green beans, capers, cabbage, parsley (stalk and root), celery (stalk and root) and spinach. Large concentrations of polyphenols are also found in red wine, tea, cocoa beans, olive oil, nuts, beer, fruit and vegetable juices, and yerba mate.
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The effectiveness of polyphenols has been validated by research from scientists at the Silesian Medical University in Katowice. The researchers presented the results of numerous studies in 2013 that demonstrated the health benefits of these compounds. In vitro studies conducted on rat pancreas cells showed that epicatechin contributes to an increase in the production and secretion of insulin. In another study, it was confirmed that daidein reduces glucose absorption and that genistein decreases insulin proportions in postmenopausal women. A study on the impact of polyphenols on cardiovascular disease has shown that compounds such as peroxidases and glutathione reductases regulate the process of oxidation of LDL cholesterol and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. They prevent platelet aggregation, promote vasodilation, and reduce blood pressure.
