Health
Surprising Polyphenol-Rich Foods Beyond Berries
Health Points
- Many everyday foods and drinks offer more polyphenols than berries.
- Adding a variety of these choices to your routine can support heart health.
- Small, regular servings of herbs, spices, nuts, and more can have a big impact.
Berries are famous for polyphenols, but you might be missing even richer sources in your kitchen and pantry.
Including a range of foods—like spices, dark chocolate, coffee, nuts, olives, and certain fruits—means you’re getting many types of these protective plant compounds.
Herbs and spices boast incredible polyphenol concentrations by weight, with options like cloves and oregano far surpassing berries in this category.
While portions are smaller, even a sprinkle in meals makes a difference over time.
Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for heart benefits, thanks to flavonoids shown to support healthy blood vessels.
Nuts such as chestnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans deliver not only polyphenols but also healthy fats and fiber, supporting heart wellness in those over 40.
Black and green olives, as well as extra-virgin olive oil, supply both beneficial fats and unique polyphenols for cholesterol management.
Fruits like plums and cherries are rich in anthocyanins and potassium, both linked to better blood pressure and reduced inflammation.
Artichokes stand out among vegetables for their fiber, vitamin K, and high polyphenol content, which benefit digestion and blood sugar control.
Lastly, coffee remains one of the largest dietary sources of polyphenols, with chlorogenic acid offering promising heart support.
Discover more flavorful ways to nurture your heart by mixing these foods into your daily meals.
