The phenolic acids are a group of phytonutrients (plant based chemical compounds that have numerous health benefits but are not classed as essential nutrients). The 7 main phenolic acids are: - Capsaicin. - Curcumin. - Ellagic Acid. - Gallic Acid. - Salicylic Acid. - Tannic Acid. - Vanillin. They can be found in a wide range of plant based foods with berries, chilli peppers, grapes, nuts, spices and wine being some of the best sources. Although they do not get nearly as much publicity as the vitamins or minerals and are not believed to be essential, they still have a very important … [Read more...]
The Phenolic Acids Explained
WHAT ARE THE PHENOLIC ACIDS? The phenolic acids are a group of phytonutrients (plant based chemical compounds that have numerous health benefits but are not classed as essential nutrients). They can be found in a wide range of plant based foods including berries, chilli peppers, nuts and spices. Although the phenolic acids are not believed to be essential in humans, they do have numerous health benefits. With the exception of capsaicin they are all powerful antioxidants that can protect your body’s cells from dangerous free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions). They … [Read more...]
Vanillin Explained
WHAT IS VANILLIN? Vanillin is a phenolic acid and phytonutrient (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health) that can be found in vanilla beans. In this article I will be looking at vanillin in greater detail and outlining its main health benefits. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF VANILLIN? Awareness of vanilla dates back to Aztec times where it was used as a flavouring for chocolate. Europeans became aware of chocolate and vanilla in 1520. Vanillin was first isolated from vanilla by … [Read more...]