Biomolecules: Polyphenols reduce diabetes risk and improve memory, research finds

Researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology (Japan) and the University of Catania (Italy) have found that bitter and astringent polyphenols found in fruits, berries, vegetables, coffee, and tea can improve memory and blood sugar control.

The findings of their study were published in the journal Biomolecules.

The paper provides a scientific review of existing research on the benefits of polyphenols for human health.

Polyphenols are powerful plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties. They can protect cells from damage through special forms of oxygen that build up in the body over time.

The aforementioned scientific review has shown that the consumption of bitter polyphenols (castalagin, grandinin, and vescalagin) found in green tea stimulates the synthesis of hormones in the gastrointestinal tract, which are necessary to regulate blood glucose levels.

Astringent polyphenols (flavanols) have also been found to regulate activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This is the main neuroendocrine system responsible for maintaining body homeostasis, adapting to environmental factors, and surviving under stress. This axis has a profound effect also on the regulation of emotions and memory. Astringent polyphenols are abundantly found in cocoa beans.

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