Why your skin needs polyphenols from your diet!
Your skin & body needs polyphenols (there are more than 8000) because these powerful plant compounds act as internal shields, neutralizing free radicals that accelerate aging and cause chronic disease.
There are 3 main groups of polyphenols:
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic Acids
- Polyphenolic Amides
How does your body and skin benefit from Polyphenols:
- Neutralize cell damage: As they fight oxidative stress
- Reduce body inflammation: They lower chronic disease risks
- Support gut health: They feed your good bacteria
- Boost heart health: They improve blood vessel function
The Ultimate Anti-aging shield for skin
Polyphenols act as a natural ingestible sunscreen, protecting your skin from the inside out. They actively block the UV-induced enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, preventing premature wrinkles and sagging. It’s also important when trying to manage pigmentation, acne, rosacea and inflammatory skin conditions.
Top Polyphenol Sources (highest to lowest)
- Cloves: The undisputed champion with the highest concentration per gram
- Dried Peppermint: Packed with concentrated rosmarinic acid.
- Star Anise: A potent spice loaded with protective antioxidants
- Cocoa Powder: Rich in dark, skin-loving flavonoids.
- Dark Berries: High-ranking fruits like elderberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
- Plums and Prunes: Excellent fruit sources that support cellular health
- Green and Black Tea: Daily beverages offering a massive total dose of catechins.
- Dark Chocolate: A delicious source of concentrated flavanols.
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, basil, marjoram, oregano – Dried herbs and spices are pound-for pound some of the richest dietary sources
- Red, blue and black fruits (Berries and cherries) Incredibly dense in anthocyanins and flavonoids
- Olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol
- Nuts and seeds: Especially those eaten with their skins on (like pecans and walnuts)
- Purple and red vegetables: Beetroot and Eggplant good sources of anthocyanins.
- Soy, flaxseeds, and legumes: Rich in isoflavones (soy) and lignans (Flax)
- Kale: One of the highest polyphenol containing green leafy vegetables
- Spinach: Contains notable amounts of flavonoids like kaempferol
- Broccoli: A solid source of kaempferol and other antioxidant compounds
- Apples: Contain good amounts of flavonoids (especially quercetin) concentrated mostly in the skin.
By boosting microcirculation in your capillaries, they also improve skin hydration, elasticity, and radiance. Selecting polyphenol rich foods may help protect our cells from disease and damage.
