Tag: Phenolic compounds

Research has revealed that vanillic acid, a beneficial phenolic compound, is naturally present in a wide array of plant-based foods and beverages. Knowing what food has vanillic acid in it allows you to incorporate this antioxidant into your diet through sources like herbs, fruits, and certain oils.

Caftaric acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in high concentrations in grapes and Echinacea. Its primary benefit comes from its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which are being studied for their potential protective effects against various diseases.

According to the Phenol-Explorer database, fresh common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) contains approximately 39.50 mg of luteolin per 100g, while dried thyme can contain around 36.00 mg per 100g. These figures highlight thyme as a notable source of this powerful flavonoid, though content can vary based on several factors.

Caffeic acid, a powerful antioxidant, is a polyphenol found in many plants, including coffee. However, unlike the common misconception that it is abundant in green beans, its availability significantly increases during the roasting process as it is converted from other compounds. This makes it a key component of the final brewed cup.

According to scientific research, the annual global production of lignin is estimated at over 5.36 × 10⁸ tons, making it the second most abundant natural polymer on Earth after cellulose. The remarkable antioxidant properties of lignin are a direct result of its unique and complex polyphenolic structure, which allows it to efficiently neutralize harmful free radicals.

Studies confirm that brown rice is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, with a significantly higher concentration of phytochemicals found in its bran and germ layers compared to polished white rice. This exploration delves into the specific types of phytochemicals present and their role in promoting health.

Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed globally every day, making it one of the most popular beverages on earth. While many enjoy its taste and stimulating effects, a deeper question often arises: is coffee a phenol, and what does that mean for its health properties?.

Ber, also known as Indian jujube (*Ziziphus mauritiana*), contains a high concentration of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), with some varieties boasting more of this essential nutrient than an orange. The fruit's complex and satisfying sweet-tart taste is a result of a combination of different organic acids, which also contribute to its impressive health benefits.

Lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth after cellulose, plays a crucial role in plants by providing rigidity and protection against environmental stress. This natural polymer functions as an effective antioxidant primarily due to its complex and varied phenolic structure. Its primary mechanism involves scavenging harmful free radicals to stabilize cellular components and inhibit chain reactions caused by oxidative agents.

Multiple scientific studies reveal that banana peels are a complex matrix containing numerous organic and phenolic acids, rather than just a single acid. As the fruit ripens, the concentration and type of these acids change significantly, influencing the peel's chemical and biological properties, which ultimately answers the question: which acid is present in banana peels?