Plant Power: How Polyphenols Naturally Boost Your Metabolism
You may have heard of polyphenols in a chemistry class way back when. What you probably didn’t learn about these formidable, plant produced compounds is that they offer a myriad of health benefits – including boosting your metabolism. They’re found in a variety of colorful fresh produce, and incorporating them into your diet is both tasty and supports weight health.
WHAT ARE POLYPHENOLS?
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds in a wide range of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, teas, roots, seeds, cocoa, and even wine. There are over 8,000 types, but they are divided into four main categories: flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans.
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Flavonoids: These are the most common and most studied polyphenols, accounting for 60% of the compounds. Research suggests that flavonoids can enhance fat metabolism, increase energy expenditure, and promote healthy weight loss.
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Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids are another common polyphenol, accounting for about 30% of the compounds. Often found in coffee and cereal grains, studies have shown that they can help regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels.
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Stilbenes: The most common stilbene polyphenol is resveratrol, found in berries and grapes. Resveratrol is famed for its presence in red wine. It can help increase metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote the breakdown of fats into energy.
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Lignans: These polyphenols support healthy weight management and regulate metabolism. They can be found in flax seeds, sesame seeds, and whole grains.
METABOLISM + OVERALL HEALTH BENEFITS
Blood Sugar: Certain polyphenols have been found to inhibit the breakdown of starch into sugar, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of insulin resistance.
Inflammation: Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory properties that help combat chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Digestion: Polyphenols promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which play a key role in maintaining digestive health and overall well-being. For example, green tea polyphenols have been shown to fight harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, supporting gastrointestinal health.
Antioxidant Properties: One of the most well-known functions of polyphenols is their antioxidant activity. They help protect cells from pollution and other toxins that can result in oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Immunity: Polyphenols possess immune-boosting properties that help strengthen the body's defense system against pathogens and infections.
A Breakthrough Polyphenol Supplement
Veracity’s Metabolism Ignite supplement is the result of over 7 years of research on over 300 hundred plant polyphenols. It harnesses the power of polyphenols from lemon verbena and hibiscus extracts, to naturally switch on metabolism.
- Lemon verbena is rich in flavonoids, particularly verbascoside and luteolin, which have been shown to stimulate fat breakdown and increase energy expenditure.
- Hibiscus extract is packed with anthocyanins and other polyphenols that help regulate blood sugar levels and promote fat metabolism.
Working synergistically, these ingredients act as a metabolic switch – increasing energy burn, decreasing fat storage, and regulating key appetite hormones to reduce hunger and cravings.
ADDING POLYPHENOLS TO YOUR DIET
When it comes to incorporating polyphenols into your daily nutrition, there are a rainbow of options. Here are some suggestions that can help boost your metabolism and overall health:
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. You can add a handful of berries to your morning oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie for a delicious and nutritious boost.
Dark Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, swiss chard, and collard greens are packed with polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health and metabolism. Incorporate these nutrient-rich greens into salads, stir-fries, soups, or smoothies for a vibrant and nourishing meal.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are not only refreshing but also rich in polyphenols such as flavonoids and hesperidin, which have been linked to improved metabolic health and weight management. You can enjoy citrus fruits as a snack, squeeze fresh lemon juice over salads or fish dishes, or start your day with a glass of citrus-infused water.
Green Tea: Green tea is a treasure trove of polyphenols, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have been shown to enhance metabolism and promote fat oxidation. Enjoy a cup of green tea as a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up, or incorporate it into your daily routine as a healthy alternative to sugary beverages.
Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are not only flavorful additions to your culinary creations but also potent sources of polyphenols with metabolism-boosting properties. Sprinkle these aromatic spices on to roasted vegetables, add them to soups and stews, or brew them into a soothing cup of tea for an added metabolic boost.
The power of plant polyphenols proves that oftentimes the most powerful remedies come from nature itself. So whether you’re enjoying a colorful salad, sipping on a cup of green tea, or supplementing with Metabolism Ignite, incorporating polyphenols into your diet can be a simple yet effective way to support your metabolism and overall well-being.
Want more metabolism enhancing nutrition tips? Read our story on Bitter Foods that boost metabolism.