Types of Polyphenols

Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in your diet. Polyphenols account for approximately 1 g per day, which is 10 times higher than the average intake of vitamin C and 100 times the average intake of vitamin E and carotenoids, the precursors to vitamin A, according to research by scientists at the Institute of Agricultural Research in Saint-Genes-Champanelle, France, and published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in January 2005. Each type of polyphenol has unique biological functions.

Isoflavones

Isoflavones are polyphenols with estrogen-like effects and are classified as phytoestrogens. Isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are in high concentrations in soy beans. Eating soy foods can stimulate bone formation and may reduce your risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. Despite the potential benefits of consuming isoflavones, the safety of high doses from supplements is not known. Consuming isoflavones from drinking soy milk or taking supplements can stimulate your immune system and may protect against DNA damage in postmenopausal women, according to research by scientists at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in May 2006.

Catechin

Catechins are polypenolic compounds found in teas, such as green tea. Ointment containing catechins from green tea can protect you from the spread of anogenital warts, among the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases and characterized by a malignant skin tumor caused by human papillomavirus. Research by scientists at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Hospital of Venereal & Skin Diseases of Thessaloniki in Greece and published in the "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology" in March 2011 discovered an ointment containing catechins from green tea exhibits very low recurrence rates of anogenital warts and seems be safe and tolerable.

Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid is a polyphenol found in pomegranates, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, walnuts and pecans. Preliminary laboratory evidence demonstrates that ellagic acid has anti-cancer properties, but no clear evidence yet exists from clinical studies. Ellagic acid may also protect your cardiovascular system and bones. Research by scientists at the University of Athens in Greece and published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in April 2008 found that walnut extract has a high potential to protect against plaque formation and stiffening of the arteries and stimulate bone cell production. The scientists conclude that ellagic acid from walnuts protects the cardiovascular system and prevents bone loss.

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are polyphenolic compounds that make up the red, purple and blue colors of fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanin polyphenols in red wine contribute to part of the effects on lower rates of coronary heart disease among red-wine drinkers in France and Italy. Anthocyanins may also have anti-inflammatory properties.