A diet rich in polyphenols extends life. Already known for their health benefits, compounds naturally found in fruits, vegetables and extra virgin olive oil-the staple foods of the Mediterranean diet-are now also associated with a dramatic reduction in mortality.
The research, published in the ‘Journal of Nutrition,’ was conducted in the Chianti area of Tuscany, following 807 ‘over-65’ men and women over 12 years. An innovative method using biomarkers in urine was adopted to measure daily intake of polyphenols. And a correlation was shown between their higher concentration and a 30% decrease in deaths, from all causes.
The benefit is associated with a daily intake of at least 650 mg of polyphenols. An amount that can be achieved through a diet rich in raw vegetables and fruits (grapes, in particular). To ‘add years to life,’ and especially ‘add life to years.’ Longevity and well-being.
Polyphenols, in many other previous studies, had shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective virtues against various forms of cancer.
