Polyphenols as Natural Antioxidants
Polyphenols are a large group of phytochemicals with a high diversity of compounds; more than 45,000 different structures have been identified to date.
They are naturally occurring in plants with a role on growth and cellular development. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites which protect against microorganisms, UV radiation but also attract pollinators etc.
Polyphenols are at the core of Mediterranean Diet benefits and the recommended daily intake of 5 fruit & vegetables. Indeed, although the antioxidant capacity of food is derived from the cumulative and synergetic antioxidant power of vitamins, polyphenols, carotenoids etc. Polyphenols are the main antioxidants present in fruit and vegetables.Â
The rapid elimination and absence of storage in the human organism explain the need for regular and varied intake.
Awareness around the benefits of fruit and vegetables consumption is rising but the minimum daily intake of 400g recommended by the World Health Organization is struggling to be reached. An estimated 3.9 million deaths worldwide were attributable to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption in 2017.