Polyphenols
Epidemiological studies have seldom produced such clear cut results than those that show that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is highly beneficial to our health. Research data from numerous clinical and nutritional studies have led to a much better understanding today of the roles played by various dietary components. The secret is not only in the fibre, minerals and vitamins but also in the suite of polyphenols which are contained in these foods.
Unlike mobile living species which can move about to get the necessary nutrients, plants have to produce all the chemical compounds they needed in order to survive. And being totally dependent on light for photosynthesis (including damaging UV light) they need to protect their delicate cells from damaging oxidation by manufacturing an array of polyphenols. In our long history of co-evolution with plants we have apparently come to rely on them in our diet for our own well being.
Polyphenols are a class of natural products whose chemical make up renders them the ability to act as very efficient antioxidants i.e. the ability to scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are very reactive chemical species generated during a variety of situations including UV radiation, cigarette smoking and yes, even during normal body metabolism when our body converts glucose into energy. Free radicals can cause cell damage contribute to a variety of diseases including arthritis, coronary heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Plants produce many different types of polyphenols depending on the plant species. Green tea for example is rich in a particular polyphenols of which epigallocatechin gallate is a major constituent, grape seeds contain proanthocyanidins while the apple skin is a rich source of flavonoids and chlorogenic acid. Quite apart from being very efficient free radical scavengers, these polyphenols have also been shown to have other beneficial physiological effects in an extensive range of clinical trials. These effects include immune modulation, anti-inflammatory actions, anti-alzheimers effects, improved glucose tolerance among others.
Even more interesting is the belief that the effects of aging might be slowed by the intake of dietary polyphenols, especially members of the hydroxy-stilbene family. The most active of these compounds is resveratrol, commonly associated with red wine, which has been found to extend the life span of diverse species.
Our drinks are innovative tonics which contain a variety of dietary polyphenols plus added soluble fibre. They have been formulated in such a way as to capture the many health benefits contained in green tea or in the skins of fruits and vegetables. These scientifically formulated drinks provide a powerful dose of antioxidant polyphenols and other vitamins and minerals to assist recovery at a cellular level.
GRAPESEED EXTRACT
Grape skin and grape seed are one of nature’s richest sources of powerful antioxidants. The extracts of these fruits contain a vast array of health-altering ingredients, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and polyphenols. They provide serious health benefits because of their ability to help the body fight viruses, allergens, and carcinogens. When considering many clinical studies, grape skin and grape seed extract have proven that the antioxidant effect of the polyphenols present in these unique fruits is 20 times more powerful than Vitamin E, and 50 times greater than Vitamin C. Another hidden health benefit in grape skin and grape seed extract is resveratrol, which provides a number of beneficial effects to the body including cell protection and repair. Resveratrol also extends the life of living cells and therefore has a direct anti-aging effect, which indirectly results in improved vision, joint flexibility, and the health of the arteries, veins, capillaries and other components of the overall circulatory system.
GREEN TEA
Green Tea, known in Asia for centuries as a health elixir and fountain of youth, has recently become more popular in Western countries due to its amazing health benefits. No surprise, as Green Tea is considered the origin for a multitude of bioactive ingredients. Green Tea has also been reported in many studies to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer and many studies claim that it may help combat osteoporosis. Green Tea is rich in natural caffeine and catechins (especially EGCG), trace minerals and fluoride, and therefore high in other polyphenols which have a positive impact on many metabolic processes like thermogenesis, blood sugar and cholesterol levels with its detoxifying effect. Because Green Tea is not fermented, nearly all of these ingredients are fully preserved. Green Tea contains only 50% of the caffeine found in brewed coffee and black tea, but releases a stimulating and invigorating effect which is slower and last longer.
WHITE TEA
White tea is one of the most exclusive and expensive teas due to the special way in which it is harvested and processed. Studies have shown that white tea has three times more polyphenols than green tea. White tea can help prevent heart ailments, fight stroke by reducing cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. White tea can help fight cancer by attacking the free radicals that inflict damage in the cellular level, and contains high amounts of anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents thereby promoting general well-being.
SOLUBLE FIBRE
This type of fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels, promoting cardiovascular health. The typical Western diet is lacking in fibre with most people currently consuming only 12-17 grams of fibre per day; the recommended daily intake is between 20 and 35 grams.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? ASK OUR EXPERT!
Dr Yeap Foo is a senior research scientist at Industrial Research with an international reputation as a world leader in the chemistry and structures of plant polyphenols particularly the proanthocyanidins. In 2008 Dr Foo was awarded the Marsden Medal by the NZ Association of Scientists in recognition for his outstanding service to science including his research identifiying bioactive compounds with significant health benefits in a range of fruits and vegetables. Dr. Foo has been our expert consultant in developing Ti Tonics and is available to answer your questions; just email yeap [at] ti-tonics [dot] com
