Polyphenols — A Food Cure for High-Fat Foods?
We have all heard that red wine is healthy and nutritional. There are studies that show red wine helps reduce heart disease. What is in red wine that makes it such a natural food cure?
A chemical in red wine, fruits and vegetables has been found to counter the unhealthy effects of high-fat foods. This chemical is a natural compound called polyphenols. In a recent study Polyphenols reduced health risks that are associated with high fat foods.
Subjects were fed three different controlled meals consisting of dark meat turkey cutlets. The first meal consisted of turkey meat and water. The second meal consisted of turkey meat with polyphenols that were added after cooking and a glass of red wine. The third meal consisted of turkey meat with polyphenols added before cooking and a glass of red wine.
During the study, researchers took blood and urine samples to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). MDA is a natural byproduct of fat digestion and is known to increase the risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Their research showed that MDA levels nearly quadrupled after the first control meal. However MDA was nearly eliminated after the subjects consumed the other meals with polyphenols.
This report shows that the food industry could make similar approach in reducing health risks associated with fatty foods. Polyphenols could be an additive to foods, just like additives are added to gasoline to burn cleaner. Imagine, eating french fries without plugging your arteries.
Tags: food cures, fruits and vegetables, heart disease, nutrition & health, polyphenols
