The results of recent research published in the journal “Food Bioscience” showed a relationship between these compounds and claimed positive impact on health, including regulating blood sugar levels.
— Despite malabsorption, polyphenols were found to improve glucose tolerance, said lead researcher Prof. Naomi Osakabe of the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan. — We are further investigating the association between consumption of polyphenol-rich foods and the risk of type 2 diabetes, as the mechanism of this beneficial effect is still unknown.
When we eat foods that contain polyphenols, the bitter taste is recognized by taste receptors in the mouth and digestive system. This sends a signal to the intestines to start secreting digestive hormones. These include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone whose action is supposedly duplicated by diabetes and weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
GLP-1 triggers the secretion of the hormone insulin, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Along with other digestive hormones, it also affects intestinal peristalsis, slowing the movement of food as it is digested, making us feel fuller and eat less.
The scientists conducting the study suggest that, in this way, hormones released by foods rich in polyphenols can reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
“Gastrointestinal hormones are known to regulate eating behavior and maintain glucose tolerance through the endocrine and nervous systems, so it is possible that the bitterness of polyphenols helps reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications by activating the T2R (taste receptor),” Osakabe said. “Our study highlights the importance of polyphenol consumption in reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and appetite.”
What are polyphenols found in?
Polyphenols are found in many plant foods, including blueberries, red grapes, pomegranates, olives, beans, artichokes, chicory, spinach, cocoa, coffee, tea, chestnuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, flaxseed, cloves, star anise, saffron, red wine, and soybeans. Most foods rich in polyphenols are also brightly colored.
They provide a number of well-known benefits. Polyphenols are a form of antioxidants, which means they help alleviate oxidative stress in the body.
Polyphenols also have anti-inflammatory effects – like all antioxidants – so they may help prevent or reduce symptoms of chronic diseases such as obesity, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, dementia, and more.
Some research also suggests that polyphenols may lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Text published in the American magazine “Newsweek”. Title, lead and subtitles by the editors of “Newsweek Polska”.
