Category: Polyphenols

Tannic acid, a form of hydrolysable tannin, is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in a wide variety of plants, including tree bark, leaves, and unripe fruits. The availability of tannic acid depends on whether you are seeking small quantities from everyday sources or purchasing a specific grade for commercial or scientific use.

According to one review, heavy coffee drinkers can consume up to 500 mg of caffeic acid per day, making coffee a significant source. This potent polyphenol, however, is not exclusive to just one beverage; the question of where is caffeic acid found reveals a broad range of plant-based foods rich in this compound.

According to a study published in *PMC*, resveratrol is a single polyphenol, whereas red vine leaf extract contains a complex mix of compounds, including resveratrol. This critical distinction means they are not the same, but rather related extracts from the same plant family, offering different health benefits depending on their unique composition.

Over the last few decades, thousands of scientific articles have investigated resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red grapes and berries. This natural compound is most notably associated with the "French Paradox," the observation that French people have a low incidence of coronary heart disease despite a diet rich in saturated fats.

First isolated in 1939, resveratrol is a natural polyphenol produced by plants as a defense mechanism against pathogens and stress. This compound belongs to the stilbenoid family, which is a specific subgroup of polyphenols.

According to a 2021 study published in *Frontiers in Microbiology*, caffeic acid supplementation effectively alleviated colonic inflammation and oxidative stress in mice. This finding builds upon a growing body of research investigating whether caffeic acid can help with inflammation and its underlying mechanisms.

Over 8,000 polyphenolic compounds have been identified in various plants, with flavonoids comprising a major subgroup. This confirms that anthocyanins are indeed a type of polyphenol, serving as the vibrant red, purple, and blue pigments in many fruits and vegetables.

Watermelon is celebrated for its juicy, sweet, and refreshing flesh, yet many are curious about its chemical composition. While the delicious pink pulp is blissfully free of tannins, these compounds are found in other parts of the watermelon plant.

Over 1,000 distinct types of ellagitannins exist in nature, but only a handful are significant in common food sources. These powerful polyphenols are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and they are found in several nuts, offering a wealth of potential health benefits.

Epicatechin is a potent flavonoid and natural antioxidant found in numerous foods, with studies in rats showing it can improve blood glucose levels. While the term 'epicatechin' is widely used, this compound also goes by several other scientific and common names depending on its stereoisomer and context. Understanding these alternative names is helpful for interpreting research and product labels, especially for consumers interested in its health benefits.