What are polyphenols?

Dietary polyphenols are natural compounds occurring in plants, including foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee and wine. Yep, you read that right: coffee and wine. Rejoice!

But here’s what’s really cool about polyphenols: not only are they naturally occurring in plant-based foods, research is proving that polyphenols act like a prebiotic, which both feeds your good bacteria and kills your bad bacteria. Here’s a research article about this if you’d like to dig deeper.

Recently, we implemented a new gut microbiome test in our office called the Gut Zoomer. With the Gut Zoomer, we are, for the first time, getting an extensive view of exactly what is living in a patient’s gut.

Not only is this test giving us information on bad bacteria, it’s telling us about any good bacteria a patient might be missing. This is important because bacteria helps control metabolism, cardiovascular health, and contributes to autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and brain health.

25 Top Polyphenol Foods

  • Cloves (15,188 mg per 100 g)
  • Peppermint, Dried (11,960 mg per 100 g)
  • Star anise (5,460 mg per 100 g)
  • Cocoa Powder (3,448 mg per 100 g)
  • Mexican Oregano, Dried (2,319 mg per 100 g)
  • Celery Seed (2,094 mg per 100 g)
  • Flaxseed Meal (1,528 mg per 100 g)
  • Chestnut (1,215 mg per 100 g)
  • Dried Sage (1,207 mg per 100 g)
  • Dried Rosemary (1,018 mg per 100 g)
  • Dried Spearmint (956 mg per 100 g)
  • Dried Thyme (878 mg per 100 g)
  • Blueberries (836 mg per 100 g)
  • Capers (654 mg per 100 g)
  • Black Olive (569 mg per 100 g)
  • Pecan Nut (493 mg per 100 g)
  • Green Olive (346 mg per 100 g)
  • Globe Artichoke Heads (260 mg per 100 g)
  • Red Chicory (235 mg per 100 g)
  • Coffee (214 mg per 100 ml)
  • Almond (187 mg per 100 g)
  • Red Onion (168 mg per 100 g)
  • Spinach (119 mg per 100 g)
  • Black Tea (102 mg per 100 ml)
  • Red Wine (101 mg per 100 ml)