Professor Tim Spector has revealed that a certain nutrient could be the secret to maintaining gut health, boosting immunity and even warding off chronic conditions.
With cold and flu rates still high across the UK, Brits are keen to keep their immune systems in top shape to fend off potential infections. While we’re all aware of the importance of Vitamins C and D for our health, a lesser-known nutrient also plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health, which in turn supports our overall wellbeing.
Polyphenols, a type of plant compound, have been suggested by some research to protect us from disease. Professor Spector, who regularly shares diet and health advice with his 26,000 followers on the Zoe TikTok account, explained that these less commonly known compounds have other benefits we might not be aware of.
He said: “Did you know that some plants are even better for your gut microbes than others? ” According to Professor Spector, polyphenols “[act] as rocket fuel for your microbes, promoting the growth of good bacteria, which are key to your overall health.”
He added: “Polyphenols also help to regulate your immunity and reduce inflammation, helping to prevent many chronic conditions.”
So where can you find these polyphenols? Dr Spector recommends “darkly coloured and bitter-tasting vegetables” which he says are “packed with polyphenols.”
HealthLine has underlined the potential health benefits of polyphenols, which might include lowering sugar levels in the blood, lessening heart disease risk, and curbing the possibility of blood clots. They may even offer protection against diseases like cancer, though further study is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
“Research consistently links diets rich in plant foods to a lower risk of cancer, and many experts believe that polyphenols are partly responsible for this,” according to HealthLine. The site notes: “Polyphenols have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, both of which can be beneficial for cancer prevention.
“In humans, some studies link high blood markers of polyphenol intake to a lower risk of breast and prostate cancers, while others find no effects. Therefore, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.”
The four varieties of polyphenol include flavonoids – the most widespread kind, making up about 60% and found in apples, onions, red cabbage, and dark chocolate.
Then there are ‘phenolic acids’, which make up another 30%, and these can be found in drinks like coffee and in cereal grains. Chilli peppers and oats boast polyphenolic amides and the fourth category ‘other polyphenols’, consist of compounds like “stilbenes in grapes and berries, resveratrol in red wine, ellagic acid in berries, curcumin in turmeric, and lignans in flax seeds, sesame seeds, and whole grains,” as per HealthLine’s findings.