Healthy lifestyle is the key to our overall good health. And food plays a major role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The right kind of food, consumed at the right time of day, helps us to go a long way. Now comes the question – what do we mean by right kind of food? According to experts, healthy food is referred to as those foods that fill you up with essential nutrients for overall health. So, when we have a meal together, it is important to note that the thali has a balance of proteins, fibres, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals etc. Another such important nutrient is polyphenols. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it is a healthy compound readily found in plant-based foods and offers various health benefits. It helps promote digestion, regulates metabolism and is also known to maintain heart health, manage diabetes and much more. “The health effects of polyphenols depend on the amounts consumed and their bioavailability,” the journal states.
Also read: 5 Food Combinations That Can Help In Better Absorption Of Nutrients
Keeping in mind the benefits of the compound polyphenols, celebrity nutritionist Lavneet Batra compiled a list of food ingredients that can help you load up on nutrients and maintain a healthy gut. She shared on Instagram, “Polyphenols are beneficial compounds (found in many plant foods) that can be grouped into flavonoids, phenolic acids, polyphenolic amides, and other polyphenols. They are important for digestion, brain function, and blood sugar.” levels, as well as protect against blood clots, heart disease, and some types of cancer.”
Here are 5 food ingredients that can help you load up on polyphenols:
1. Apples:
It is rightly said, “An apple a day helps you keep the doctor away”. Along with many healthy nutrients, apples also load up on polyphenols in sufficient quantities to promote you overall health. “In fact, apples contain all categories of polyphenols and vitamin C for a powerful antioxidant boost,” said the nutritionist.
2. Onion:
Lavneet Batra added, “Onions are high in polyphenol compounds like quercetin, sulfur compounds, alcohol propyl di-sulfide and prebiotic compounds, which promote gut health.”
3. Almonds:
The health benefits of almonds need no separate introduction. Walnuts are a storehouse of many healthy nutrients that help promote gut health, immunity, bone health, skin and hair and much more. Lavneet Batra said that almonds are a strong source of polyphenols which are in almonds which are “concentrated in the skins”.
4. Broccoli:
Broccoli has great potential as a functional food due to its high content of bioactive compounds. “Polyphenols are largely responsible for the high antioxidant activity of broccoli,” explained the experts.
5. Turmeric:
Turmeric has been a part of traditional medicine for centuries. It is loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and other compounds that are known to flush out toxins in the body and fight inflammation. It also contains a compound called curcumin, which is a flavonoid polyphenol. Lavneet Batra said, “Turmeric polyphenols have a role in bone strengthening, blood clotting, muscle contraction and relaxation, and lowering blood pressure.”
Now that you know about the food ingredients rich in polyphenols, we suggest adding them to your diet and enjoy a healthy gut and promote overall wellness. But, do not forget to always consult an expert before making any changes in your lifestyle.
Eat healthy, stay fit!
Disclaimer: This material, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.
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