What Are the Types of Polyphenols?
According to studies, more than 8,000 polyphenols have been discovered. However, researchers are yet to understand how the chemical affects the human body. It is important to note that polyphenols can be good and bad for our health. The effects of this compound depends on how often we take them.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are commonly found in foods such as kale, parsley, tea, red wine, soybeans, and onions. They account for more than half of the currently discovered polyphenols. Flavonoids can be divided into five different types including: Anthocyanins, Flavan-3-ols, Flavones, Flavanones, and Flavonols.
Phenolic Acid
Phenolic acids are commonly found in foods such as grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, coffee, green tea, chocolate, and berries. Phenolic acid makes up about 30% of all Phenolic acids that can be grouped into classes, including hydroxycinnamic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid.
Polyphenolic Amides
Polyphenolic amides are grouped into capsaicinoids and avenanthramides. Capsaicinoids are commonly found in chili peppers and are responsible for the hotness of the pepper. Oat is a common source of Avenanthramides. Avenanthramides help reduce LDL cholesterol level.
Some polyphenols can only be divided into one group, and they make up for a smaller part of the compounds. Types of polyphenol in this group include:
- Resveratrol is unique to grapes and red wine. [1]
- Curcumin [2] is a strong antioxidant that gives the spice turmeric [3] its yellow color.
- Lignans are present in sesame flax, [4] and some other grains.
- Ellagic acid are present in berry fruits, like strawberries and raspberries, and the skin of tree nuts.