Dietary phenols are phytochemicals comprising flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanonols, isoflavones, anthocyanidins, stilbenoids, lignans, tannins, and curcuminoids. These compounds can be used to prevent and manage diseases in conjunction with the intestinal microbiome. The foods highest in phenols are all berries, dark-skinned grapes, pomegranates and other fruits with dark red and purple pigments.
In a recent review reported on the cardioprotective, neuroprotective, immunoprotective, ulcer-protective, hormonal, and metabolic benefits of consuming dietary phenols and their relationship with the intestinal microbiome.
Health benefits of phenolic compounds
1. Polyphenols may improve rheumatoid arthritis, depression, inflammation, & oxidative stress.
2. Quercetin and epicatechin (EC) decrease atherosclerosis and so cardiovascular disease. Quercetin (red onions, apples and grapes) may reduce obesity and insulin resistance. Cocoa/EC benefits cardiovascular patients by improving microcirculation, vasodilation and increasing NO levels. EC is also used to manage neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Green tea extracts [1] improve alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) (lower inflammation and oxidative stress, and modulate microbiota) and non-AFLD (restore microbiome balance), [2] support colitis (reduce colonic damage, and increase antioxidant activity), [3] slow Alzheimer’s disease progression.
4. Cocoa flavanols lower the risk of coronary artery disease.
5. Rutin (buckwheat and asparagus) lowers postprandial hyperglycemia and cholesterol.
6. Soy proteins lower cholesterol and inflammation.
7. Sesamin (from sesame), has cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties
8. Grape seed oil has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.
9. Curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
10. Other compounds such as genistein, protocatechuic acid, ellagic acid, and chlorogenic acid also promote health and well-being.
Association between dietary polyphenols & intestinal microbiota
> Green tea extracts modulate the intestinal microbiome by activating Akkermansia muciniphila (beneficial microbe in microbiota).
> Flavanoid-enriched cocoa powder elevates Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts. Cocoa consumption enhances the GALT (and so immune system) function and alters the abundance of IgA antibodies.
> Cocoa benefits diabetic individuals by restoring intestinal barrier integrity and reducing intestinal inflammation.
> Quercetin restores intestinal microbiome balance after antibiotic use.
> Chlorogenic acid improves intestinal barrier integrity and can reverse microbiome dysbiosis.
> Coffee disrupts the intestinal flora by increasing the abundance of Bifidobacterium species and Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale group (enhance the growth of probiotic microbes).
> Resveratrol activates metabolism by intestinal microbes and restores intestinal barrier function, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity.
> Curcumin can cause symptomatic improvements in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastritis and may prevent gallstone formation.
(Adapted from: www.news-medical.net/news/20230410/)
Link to research paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/4/880/htm
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