Polyphenols: These Micronutrients Can Help You With Weight Loss, Prevent Diabetes- Know The Benefits And Food Sources

Polyphenols can reduce inflammation in the body

Polyphenols benefits: For good health and weight, you need both macronutrients and micronutrients. Proteins, fats and carbs are the three macronutrients. Vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, D, E, K, C and B Vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, etc are the micronutrients that the body needs to function properly and efficiently. In one of his recent live sessions on Facebook, lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho talks about polyphenols-important micronutrients that can be attained from plant-based diets. He says that polyphenols are immensely beneficial micronutrients that are required by people of all age groups, including young children to older adults.

Polyphenols health benefits and why they must be a part of your diet

Polyphenols are antioxidants that can give a boost to your digestive system, informs Luke in the video. Following are other benefits of these micronutrients that will surprise you:

1. They can help you lose weight and burn fat.

2. Polyphenols can help in preventing diabetes and also help you recover from type 2 diabetes.

3. Neurodegenerative problems like multiple sclerosis can be prevented by regular intake of polyphenols through a plant-based diet.

4. Polyphenols can reduce inflammation in the body.

5. Inflammation reducing properties of polyphenols can help in reducing risk of heart diseases. 

Regular intake of polyphenols can reduce risk of heart diseases
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: What Are The Risks Of High Inflammation In The Body?

Foods that can provide you with polyphenols

• Cloves: Cloves are a rich source of polyphenols. You can add them in masalas and even tea. Make sure that you include cloves in your daily diet to get sufficient polyphenols.
• Dark chocolate: Good quality dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols.
• Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries, blackberries, etc are all a rich source of polyphenols.
• Black raisins: Plums, cherries and blackcurrants contain polyphenols and they must be a part of your diet. Soak 6-8 to black raisins overnight. You can eat them raw or add them to your breakfast smoothies. They are also rich in fibre and can be helpful if you have constipation.

Also read: Suffering From Constipation? Try These 7 Underrated, Natural Remedies

• Pomegranates: They contain polyphenols and can give a boost to your immunity.
• Beans: If you don't have gut issues, then you can have the legumes and vegetables belonging to the bean family for sufficient intake of polyphenols.
• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts are rich in polyphenols. You can snack on them on a daily basis.

Walnuts are a rich source of polyphenols
Photo Credit: iStock

• Vegetables: Spinach and onion are polyphenol-rich vegetables.
• Tea: Black tea and green tea are a storehouse of beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols.
• Red wine: Red wine is popular for its antioxidant content. Make sure you drink it in moderation.

Also read: Why Drinking Red Wine And Eating Chocolate May Be Good For Your Gut

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.