As we have already explained in previous articles, antioxidants are one of the key pieces when comes to fight free radicals generated by the body itself, toxins, stress, insomnia, among many other things. Among antioxidants we find polyphenols, molecules with a high antioxidant power. Not all polyphenols are the same and that is why today we want to talk about some of the most powerful ones for its antioxidant capacity: polyphenols derived from rosemary and grapefruit.
Fran Ballesteros, pharmacist and Vitae educator explains us in more detail about the properties of this highly beneficial ingredient for our health.
What are the benefits to our health of consuming polyphenols?
The main benefit of consuming polyphenols comes from its great antioxidant capacity against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are generated daily in our body and promote aging and cell death. Controlling these free radicals will allow us to improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases, among others.
Do you think we should incorporate them into our daily diet?
We have to consider that polyphenols are found naturally in food, especially in legumes, fruits and vegetables. A Mediterranean diet will definitely contribute to get certain amount of polyphenols and antioxidants on daily basis. So yes, it is important to incorporate antioxidants into our diet and follow healthy lifestyle, starting with introducing the wonderful Mediterranean diet into our lives.
Do all polyphenols have the same benefits?
All polyphenols and metabolites that are derived from them have a high antioxidant power. We could think that they will all help us equally but the difference is in its specific properties, for example, lignans can have estrogenic action, or tannins that depending on the origin and concentration may be astringent.
Tell us about rosemary and grapefruit polyphenols, why are they so special? What are they indicated for?
The antioxidant properties of rosemary and grapefruit are well known. Lately, new properties have been discovered. Besides its high antioxidant power, those two ingredients have shown that can quickly and effectively block free radicals produced by UV radiation, protecting the skin and avoiding possible oxidative damage and skin ageing.
When we combine these extracts we obtain a synergistic combination that not only protects us from sun damage but also has the ability to repair damage that has been already caused by previous exposures. The reason of this mechanism is that the combination of rosemary and grapefruit polyphenols are capable of repairing the DNA damage that UVB radiation generates on the cell itself.
Apart from consuming polyphenols, what guidelines should we follow to reduce free radicals level in our body?
As important as reducing free radicals is preventing them from being produced in harmful amounts. That is why it is important to maintain a healthy life and a balanced diet. As you already know, in Vitae we truly believe not only on quality natural products but on a healthy lifestyle.
Exercising regularly and following a varied and Mediterranean diet is fundamental to avoid that excessive free radicals level. We must also avoid highly oxidizing substances such as alcohol or tobacco.
Finally, we cannot forget that melatonin, a hormone that we secrete naturally to induce sleep, is highly antioxidant, which is why it is essential to have good sleep quality and hygiene. Sleeping the necessary hours to repair our body and avoiding situations of chronic stress that affect the synthesis of this hormone, would be of key importance to keep our body in good condition.
