Polyphenols or plant micro-nutrients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential metabolic effects.
- Bitter polyphenols, like those found in bitter melon, have been studied for their effects on blood glucose regulation.
- Some research indicates that these compounds may influence glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin sensitivity or modulating carbohydrate digestion. However, these effects have been observed in controlled laboratory settings and animal models, with mixed results in human studies.
- Polyphenols are beneficial compounds in many plant foods that can be grouped into flavonoids, phenolic acid, polyphenolic amides, and other polyphenols.
- They may improve digestion, brain function, and blood sugar levels, as well as protect against blood clots, heart disease, and certain cancers.
- Of the polyphenols that work for diabetes and obesity are curcumin, found in turmeric, resveratrol, which is found in grapes, peanuts and berries, quercetin, which is found in onions, catechin, which is found in cocoa and green tea.
