Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness
These days the internet is full of theories about
how bitter polyphenols — the kind you find in dark chocolate, cinnamon, cloves,
basil, coffee and green tea as well as in some fruits, vegetables, legumes,
wholegrains, nuts and seeds — can lower the risk of diabetes. The logic goes
that they reactivate taste receptors not only in the mouth but the gut. These
in turn trigger secretion of hormones that may help lower a person’s risk of
developing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
At first glance, the association between bitter
polyphenols and improved metabolic health might seem compelling. After all,
these compounds have been shown to have various beneficial effects in other
contexts. However, attributing a straightforward, guaranteed diabetes
prevention capability to them oversimplifies a complex issue.
Polyphenols or plant micro-nutrients have
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential metabolic effects. Bitter
polyphenols, like those found in bitter melon, have been studied for their
effects on blood glucose regulation. Some research indicates that these
compounds may influence glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin sensitivity or
modulating carbohydrate digestion. For instance, bitter melon contains
compounds like charantin and polypeptides that may mimic insulin action or
affect glucose uptake. However, these effects have been observed in controlled
laboratory settings and animal models, with mixed results in human studies.
Clinical trials investigating the impact of bitter
polyphenols on diabetes risk are limited and often yield inconclusive results.
While some studies have demonstrated potential benefits, the evidence is not
robust enough to conclusively state that bitter polyphenols alone can
significantly reduce diabetes risk.
The impact of any single nutrient or food component
on diabetes risk cannot be isolated from an individual’s
overall dietary pattern and lifestyle. A diet rich in various
polyphenol-containing foods is associated with better metabolic health. But
that’s because these foods are also nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich.
Besides, genetic and environmental factors
contribute to individual responses to dietary interventions. What works for one
person might not work for another, and the effectiveness of polyphenols in
diabetes prevention can vary based on genetic predispositions and lifestyle
factors.
Of the polyphenols that work for diabetes and
obesity are curcumin, found in turmeric, resveratrol, which is found in grapes,
peanuts and berries, quercetin, which is found in onions, catechin, which is
found in cocoa and green tea.
While incorporating bitter polyphenol-rich foods
into a balanced diet can be part of a healthy lifestyle, relying solely on
these foods as a preventive measure against diabetes is not advisable. A
comprehensive approach to diabetes prevention includes maintaining a healthy
weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a diverse range of
nutrients from various food sources.
