The Power of Polyphenols

Polyphenols have been widely studied and shown to have numerous benefits, including protecting against cancers, heart disease and more. 

But did you know that while these plant-powered antioxidants are working hard to protect you from oxidative damage and stress, they are also turning back the clock on your physical appearance too? 

These five antioxidants should be on your radar if you’re looking for a boost to your anti-aging regimen while also improving your overall health.  

1. Vitamin A

Increasing your intake of vitamin A can protect your eyes from this stress and lessen your chances of developing this disease. 

Other notable benefits of including vitamin A in your diet: (source)

• Has been shown to have greater antioxidant properties when sourced from mixed carotenoids as opposed to those from single carotenoid sources. 

• Has synergistic effects that boost the performance of other antioxidants like vitamins C and E. 

• Has anti-aging effects, (topical retinol is derived from vitamin A). 

2. Curcumin

Curcumin is one of the primary polyphenols within turmeric. You’re probably already aware of the amazing anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, but did you know that curcumin can boost reproductive health through your fertile years into menopause? 

Here’s a brief list of how you can expect curcumin to benefit you: (source)

• Reduces androgens in women with PCOS

• Reduces BMI and fasting blood glucose in women with PCOS

• Improves ovarian function

• Improves the symptoms of endometriosis

• Helps reduce weight gain related to menopause. 

3. Quercetin

As we age, our bodies lose the ability to effectively clear out dead cells. These lingering cells are known as senescence cells. Senescence cells have been linked to a number of age-related ailments and diseases. 

These issues range from skin wrinkles and sagging to critical ones like Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, and cancer. While these dead cells linger in the body, they pump out inflammatory hormones, which in turn, affect your healthy functioning cells. 

Quercetin is a powerful polyphenol that boosts immune response and helps to clear out these senescent cells, reducing your risk for major disease and improving surface-level signs of aging. 

Other great quercetin facts: 

• Has antihistamine properties, a good choice for allergy sufferers. 

• May be beneficial for bladder issues such as interstitial cystitis.

• May give protection against damage caused by LDL cholesterol.

• May reduce insulin levels in women with PCOS and/or diabetes.

4. Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract comes from the seeds of grapes used for winemaking. It is widely known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but what makes this polyphenol really stand out is its ability to improve collagen synthesis. 

Collagen is the “mesh” or “netting” that holds our skin in place. It keeps our skin taut and firm. The process of collagen synthesis, aided by grape seed extract, is responsible for giving your skin a youthful, firm appearance. 

As we age, collagen production and synthesis slows, causing our skin to sag, wrinkle, and lose elasticity. We lose that netting or mesh that fights against the pull of gravity. 

Supplementing with grape seed extract can slow this process down and improve your body’s ability to regenerate collagen and rebuild that “mesh” that keeps you looking youthful. 

Some other benefits of grape seed extract include: (source)

• May reduce the chances of skin cancers in some patients.

• May inhibit Candida growth.

• Aids in preventing cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. 

• Reduces edema after injury or surgery.

• Inhibit aromatase (conversion of androgens into estrogen) source

5. Vitamin E Isomers (tocotrienol)

Vitamin E is composed of 8 isomers, 4 of which are tocopherol and 4 of which are tocotrienol. 

The isomers shown to have the most therapeutic effect are the tocotrienols, specifically gamma and delta tocotrienols. These tocotrienol isomers have been shown to improve a number of diseases and imbalances. 

What’s most interesting about this polyphenol is its ability to improve bone health, which is crucially important to women (especially menopausal and postmenopausal) who are naturally at a higher risk for osteoporosis. 

Studies show that these isomers help preserve bone mass, reduce the risk of broken bones and fractures, and support healthy bone cell turnover (even in post-menopausal women). 

It’s an all-around bone-health powerhouse and one that you must include if you are approaching your 40s and beyond. 

Other vitamin E benefits include: 

• Seeks out and eliminates free radicals in the body. 

• Reduces the risk of major cardiac events (stroke, heart attack, or death by a cardiovascular event) by 26% in women over the age of 65.

• May reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. 

Ultimate Antioxidant Synergy

I am so passionate about repairing oxidative stress and preventing chronic illness, which is why I am launching a new Ultimate Antioxidant Synergy supplement! 

It includes: 

• Vitamin A (from mixed carotenoids)

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E Isomers (tocotrienols)

• Grape seed extract

• Curcumin

• Resveratrol

• Garlic

• Lutein & lycopene

• Powerful herb blend featuring rosemary, clove, basil, allspice, and sage

• Quercetin

• Rutin 

• Ginkgo biloba

I selected this blend of powerful polyphenols and herbs because of its full spectrum coverage, combining the most potent and proven antioxidants. My formula provides comprehensive support to combat oxidative stress in your body, which promotes a healthier and happier life for you. You will see and feel the difference. 

---

Antioxidants don't get enough attention as key players in detoxification and prevention of chronic disease. They also help you age more gracefully and give you energy. Come meet some essential antioxidants and learn food sources and more!

---

Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is an acupuncturist turned functional health coach and has worked with thousands of clients since 2004.

She is the founder of FunctionalDetoxProducts.com and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Toxic Mold Recovery: Take Back Your Home Health & Life, available in audiobook, Kindle and paperback on Amazon.