Polyphenol-Rich Superfoods

What do polyphenol-rich superfoods have to do with our life span? Do we have a control over the length of our stay on earth? These are the numerous questions we tend to ask ourselves. Over the years scientists have tried to answer these questions. Why can't man live forever? Can we make it possible? Researchers have sought answers with no concrete conclusion. It's believed that plant food can improve our lifespan. It is for this reason that many researchers have studied polyphenol-rich superfoods.

Life expectancy has risen through the generations, but seems to have stagnated with this generation. Many speculate that this is due to an increase of chemicals in our foods and drinks. It is for this reason that we should watch what we are eating. We should try to eat a balanced diet so that we can have a better life with reduced cases of health complications. One of the best ways to eat a balanced diet is to take in foods rich in polyphenols. Scientists have done their research, and their findings show that food rich in polyphenols create a powerful boost on an individual's immune system.

Plant foods can act as preventive medicine. That is why it is advisable to eat a good amount of vegetables on a daily basis. They may not taste better, but it is necessary. Eating vegetables leads to a longer life which is paved with a reduced number of illnesses. This is where polyphenol-rich superfoods come in.

What exactly are polyphenols? First, let me take you down memory lane, back to high school chemistry class. Phenols refer to a collection of plant base chemicals which have at least one phenol group. Polyphenol means foods that have multiple types of phenols present in them. The two most common phenols groups include:

• Flavonoids
• Phenolic acids

Phenolic acids mainly consist of red fruits, black radishes, and onions. While flavonoids comprise of isoflavones, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanones. Isoflavones are found in berries, anthocyanidins in wines, flavanones are found in oranges or any other citric fruits, flavonols in broccoli, tomato, and tea, and finally herbs contain flavanones. Also, there are resveratrol and stilbenes, which are found in wine and nuts, curcumin in spices, and lignans in flaxseeds. Including these group of phenols in your daily diet will have a significant impact on your health.

Polyphenol-Rich Superfoods

In recent years there has been an increased interest in polyphenol-rich foods, and their status as superfoods. This growing interest has led to extensive research carried out by various scientists all over the world. There are over 100 plant foods rich in polyphenol. However, the most common include

• Dried herbs
• Cocoa products
• Dark colored berries
• Flaxseed
• Nuts
• Dried Mexican oregano
• Cloves
• Chocolate

Importance of Polyphenols

We should never underestimate the enormous importance of polyphenols in our diets. Polyphenols come with a range of benefits. Studies show that you should consume on average seven to 10 tablespoons spoonful of polyphenols a day. It's great advantages include:

• Reduced cholesterol
• Improved blood circulation
• Reduced blood pressure
• Increased arterial functions
• Reduced cases of platelet clumping
• Reduction of rigidness of the artery
• Improved life span

Patients with heart complications have been advised to take even greater amounts of polyphenols. Also, there is an indication that taking specifically stilbenes and lignans can significantly improve one's life span. Stilbenes can found in grapes and nuts while lignans are commonly found in flax.

Conclusion

Eating polyphenol-rich superfoods is highly recommended by doctors, and you should include as many as possible in your diet. Taking polyphenol-rich superfoods will significantly improve your lifespan, and it will reduce your chances of developing heart issues. Superfoods in general, specifically those rich in phenols, could be one of the first steps humans can take to lengthen their lives.