Polyphenols are a family of organic compounds found abundantly in plants and fruits. They protect the plants and fruits from infections, oxidative stress and toxic metals or chemicals. And when we consume polyphenols, they protect us too. Our body converts polyphenols into viable antioxidants during the digestive process and these antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative damage, while increasing our stress resistance.

There are over 8,000 varieties of polyphenols, categorised into various subclasses according to their chemical composition, such as flavonoids, lignans and stilbenes. Some of the best known and richest sources of polyphenols are found in tea, dark chocolate and citrus fruits such as lemons.

THE BENEFITS OF POLYPHENOLS

New research continues to uncover more and more benefits of a diet rich in polyphenols. Here are some of the proposed benefits:

Lowers blood sugar levels and risk of diabetes

Polyphenols stop the breakdown of starch into simple sugars, preventing the probability of blood sugar level spikes after a meal. They give consumers a higher glucose tolerance and stimulate insulin production, crucial factors in regulating blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

Due to the antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory behaviour of polyphenols, they aid in maintaining appropriate HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. They also lower blood pressure and reducing chronic inflammation, cutting down the overall risk of heart disease.

Protects against cancer

Researchers believe that the strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols may be able to hamper the growth of various cancer cells. High polyphenol intakes have been linked to lower risks of breast and prostate cancers.

Prevents blood clots

Polyphenol consumption helps to regulate the platelet aggregation process, preventing the formation of unnecessary blood clots that may contribute to strokes.

Assists healthy digestion

Polyphenol consumption promotes the cultivation of friendly gut bacteria that benefits digestion, while simultaneously ridding the body of harmful ones such as E.coli and Salmonella.

Stimulates brain function

Studies have shown that consuming polyphenols can have the capacity to boost memory and focus through increasing blood flow to the brain. This can go a long way towards preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Promotes healthy weight loss

A diet rich in polyphenols can play a vital role in weight loss. It increases energy expenditure and metabolic rates, which tend to slow down when we lose weight, burning more calories in the process.

At Xlife, we are strong proponents of a healthy polyphenol-rich diet. We go all out to ensure that our range of lemon polyphenol products deliver polyphenol enzymes of the highest quality.  We believe that the rapidly emerging benefits of polyphenol consumption provide exciting possibilities, and have the potential to redefine nutrition as we know it.