WHAT IS GALLOCATECHOL?
Gallocatechol (also known as epigallocatechin) is one of the many flavan-3-ols that can be found in plant based foods and is part of the phytonutrient family (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health). In this article I will be providing a full overview of gallocatechol.
WHEN WAS GALLOCATECHOL DISCOVERED?
Gallocatechol and the other flavan-3-ols were first discovered and isolated in 1929 at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Japan by Dr Michiyo Tsujimura.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE GALLOCATECHOL?
There is very little information available on the health benefits of gallocatechol. However, the available research suggests it acts as an antioxidant and protects the body against damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen based reaction).
In addition to this gallocatechol may potentially contribute towards the health benefits of green tea which include:
– Boosting the immune system.
– Preventing arthritis (inflammation of the joints).
– Preventing cancer.
– Preventing heart disease.
– Reducing blood levels of LDL cholesterol (a type of cholesterol which can cause blockages in the arteries and increase your heart disease risk).
HOW MUCH GALLOCATECHOL DO YOU NEED?
Gallocatechol is not considered essential for human health so no recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been established.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN GALLOCATECHOL?
Cocoa beans are by far the richest source of gallocatechol. Green tea is also a very good source of this nutrient with many of the green tea health benefits being linked back to gallocatechol. In addition to this, a lot of fruits contain high levels of this phytonutrient. The table below highlights some of the richest food sources:
| FOOD | MILLIGRAMS (MG) OF GALLOCATECHOL PER 100 GRAMS (G) |
| Almonds | 2.59 |
| Black Diamond Plums | 13.06 |
| Black Tea | 7.93 |
| Broad Beans | 4.65 |
| Cocoa Beans | 156.67 |
| Fuji Apples | 1.14 |
| Golden Delicious Apples | 1.52 |
| Green Tea | 16.71 |
| Hazelnuts | 2.78 |
| Oolong Tea | 6.1 |
| Peaches | 1.04 |
| Pecan Nuts | 5.63 |
| Pistachio Nuts | 2.05 |
| Red Delicious Apples | 1.37 |
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH GALLOCATECHOL?
Currently there are no reported overdose symptoms associated with gallocatechol consumption.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH GALLOCATECHOL?
Gallocatechol is not classed as an essential nutrient so there are no reported deficiency symptoms.
GALLOCATECHOL SUMMARY
Whilst there is still a lot to learn about gallocatechol, the early signs are very promising and it seems to have a highly protective effect on the body’s cells. Like the other flavan-3-ols, gallocatechol can be found in dark chocolate, red wine, tea and various fruits. So to make you enjoy these protective benefits, take a look at the list of gallocatechol rich foods and make sure your diet contains some of these.
Sources:
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
What is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)
USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods