Polyphenols and Flavonoid Antioxidants
Polyphenols are a class of molecules which are some of the most potent antioxidants derived from plants. Flavonoid antioxidants are members of the polyphenol family, and are among the most powerful antioxidants existing in nature. Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated that high dietary intake of polyphenols is associated with a low incidence of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This page will cover these potent antioxidants and their anti-aging health benefits in detail. Flavonoid AntioxidantsAnthocyaninsAnthocyanins are a subclass of flavonoid antioxidants. Anthocyanins are largely responsible for giving many fruit, berries, and colored leaves their color. More importantly, they are also powerful antioxidants. Animal cancer research involving black raspberries (the food with the highest concentration of Anthocyanins) were found to inhibit promotion and progression of tumor cells by several mechanisms: stalling growth of pre-malignant cells; causing cancer cells to die faster (process called apoptosis), reducing inflammatory mediators which initiate the onset of tumor growth; inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) which help tumors grow. Evidence from in vitro studies supports the role of anthocyanins in these processes. In those studies anthocyanins were shown to directly affect specific genes associated with proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Catechins Catechins are flavonoid antioxidants belonging to the subclass of flavonols. These powerful antioxidants are most well known because of their high concentration in the Camellia sinensis tea leaf. They are present in all teas made from that leaf, including: white tea, green tea, black tea, and Oolong tea. They are also the antioxidants in chocolate and cocoa. Several studies point to reduced risk of stroke, heart failure, diabetes, and cancer associated with intake of catechins. Proanthocyanidins Proanthocyanidins are essentially polymer chains of flavonoids such as catechins. Proanthocyanidins are powerful antioxidants. Studies show the antioxidant activity of proanthocyanidins is 20 times that of vitamin C and 50 times that of vitamin E! Proanthocyanidins are the principal vasoactive polyphenols in red wine which is linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and to lower overall mortality. As you might expect, proanthocyanidins, like catechins, are also associated with reduced risk of stroke, heart failure, and diabetes. In addition to their health benefits, proanthocyanidins also play an aesthetic anti-aging role in stabilization and maintenance of the two most important proteins in our connective tissues, collagen and elastin as well as inhibiting the enzymes which break down collagen. These effects combine to keep skin elastic, smooth and wrinkle free. Proanthocyanidins are found in highest concentration in red grape seeds, and are sold in nutritional supplements as grape seed extract. Many quality grape seed extract supplements will actually disclose what percentage of polyphenols their extract contains. Resveratrol Resveratrol is a truly amazing flavonoid antioxidant. More and more studies continue to discover wide ranging potential health benefits of resveratrol. Studies have demonstrated potential anti-cancer effects, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-hypertensive effects (may help high blood pressure), and anti-atherosclerotic effects. The anti-atherosclerotic effects of lowering cholesterol and anti-platelet aggregation effects together suggest a protective role against stroke and heart disease. In in vitro studies, resveratrol has been shown to interfere with all three phases of carcinogenesis (cancer); initiation, promotion, and progression. However, as of yet there have not been any clinical trials on humans to show definitive benefit. In other studies, resveratrol has been shown to improve the function of mitochondria (the energy factories of our cells) and to help lower blood sugar levels. Quercetin Quercetin is a plant derived flavonol (part of the flavonoid family). Quercetin is a potent antioxidant and exhibits vitamin C sparing activity. In vitro studies have also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of both manufacture and release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. In vivo studies have also shown that when ultrasound was used to facilitate absorption, quercetin killed 90% of prostate and skin cancers without damaging healthy cells. Additional Resources for Polyphenols,
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