A little-known nutrient could be the key to health this winter, according to Professor Tim Spector and it can be found in a common type of vegetable.
Cold and flu rates remain high across the UK, and many of us are keen to keep our bodies in good condition and ward off potential infections. And turns out, polyphenols could be the answer.
These plant compounds may be able to protect us from disease, according to research. Now Professor Spector, who shares diet and health advice with the 26,000 followers of the Zoe TikTok account, shared that these lesser-known nutrients have other benefits we might not be aware of.
He said: “Did you know that some plants are even better for your gut microbes than others? ” According to Professor Spector, polyphenols “[act] as rocket fuel for your microbes, promoting the growth of good bacteria, which are key to your overall health.”
He added: “Polyphenols also help to regulate your immunity and reduce inflammation, helping to prevent many chronic conditions.”
So where can you find these polyphenols? Dr Spector recommends “darkly coloured and bitter-tasting vegetables” which he says are “packed with polyphenols.”
HealthLine has underlined the potential health benefits of polyphenols, which might include lowering sugar levels in the blood, lessening heart disease risk, and curbing the possibility of blood clots. They may even offer protection against diseases like cancer, though further study is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
“Research consistently links diets rich in plant foods to a lower risk of cancer, and many experts believe that polyphenols are partly responsible for this,” according to HealthLine. The site notes: “Polyphenols have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, both of which can be beneficial for cancer prevention.
“In humans, some studies link high blood markers of polyphenol intake to a lower risk of breast and prostate cancers, while others find no effects. Therefore, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.”
The four varieties of polyphenol include flavonoids – the most widespread kind, making up about 60% and found in apples, onions, red cabbage, and dark chocolate.
Then there are ‘phenolic acids’, which make up another 30%, and these can be found in drinks like coffee and in cereal grains. Chilli peppers and oats boast polyphenolic amides and the fourth category ‘other polyphenols’, consist of compounds like “stilbenes in grapes and berries, resveratrol in red wine, ellagic acid in berries, curcumin in turmeric, and lignans in flax seeds, sesame seeds, and whole grains,” as per HealthLine’s findings.