Getting a full range of nutrients every day is key to living a long, healthy life. While many people are familiar with vitamins and minerals, they may not think much about polyphenols—although they should.

These plant compounds are critical to health and longevity. Polyphenols are so important that researchers have referred to these powerful nutrients as “lifespan essentials.” And yet, many people don’t get the minimum level of 1,000 mg of polyphenols they need in their daily diets. That’s unfortunate, because in addition to a multivitamin and mineral formulation, polyphenols should be in everyone’s daily regimen for a host of reasons.

As someone who has always been fascinated with the science behind nutrients, I wanted to share some polyphenol studies with you, along with key findings from each. I encourage you to dive into the full-length articles when you have time and want to explore the full range of life-enhancing benefits of polyphenols. (Link to the studies)

Polyphenol Study Highlights:

• Plant polyphenols protect against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases
• These compounds also reduce the number and growth of tumors in the mouth, stomach, colon, liver, intestines, lungs, mammary glands, and skin
• They are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, preventing oxidative damage and inhibiting COX-2 activity
• Polyphenols preserve brain activity and may defend against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
• Polyphenols regenerate and enhance the actions of vitamins in the body, including alpha-tocopherol, one of the most active components of vitamin E
• These compounds are effective metal chelators, helping flush dangerous levels of metals from the body
• Large-scale clinical research has found that polyphenols reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, plus there is a strong association and clinical evidence between low cancer risk and polyphenol intake
• Polyphenol intake preserves cognitive factors, including language and verbal memory. That may be because polyphenols consistently increase cerebral blood flow and modulate brain activity—even after single doses
• Polyphenols can enhance exercise performance by reducing muscle fatigue, improving recovery, and reducing stressors that negatively affect training

I’m excited by the possibilities of these polyphenols for improving daily health and optimal longevity. Clinically and scientifically validated nutrients including curcumin from turmeric, tannin-free oligomeric proanthocyanidins from grape seed extract, catechins from green tea, propolis, and polyphenols from apples can provide a convenient source of the compounds that work through a wide range of pathways in the mind and body.

The more we spread the word, the more we can help everyone live a healthier life.