Polyphenols are a type of chemical naturally occurring in plant-based foods that are antioxidants. These compounds interact with the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, known as Type 2 taste receptors (TR2). Past studies have shown that TR2 taste receptors are not only present on the tongue, but also in other body organs, including those in the gastrointestinal system. Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan have found that polyphenol-caused activation of TR2 in the gastrointestinal tract leads to the secretion of hormones that may help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Polyphenols can be found in a variety of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, providing more than 8,000 types of antioxidants that can protect the body’s cells from aging and external damage.
Recent research has shown that bitter taste receptors, such as TR2, are widely expressed in the digestive tract and play a role in the secretion of incretin, a digestive hormone that helps suppress appetite. The relationship between the bitterness of polyphenols and glucose tolerance was investigated by Naomi Osakabe and her team at the Shibaura Institute of Technology. They discovered that polyphenol-caused activation of TR2 in the gastrointestinal tract triggers the secretion of hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. These gastrointestinal hormones stimulated by polyphenols could potentially reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, among other health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and some cancers.
The potential health benefits of polyphenols include lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as improving conditions like high cholesterol and blood pressure. The activation of TR2 in the gastrointestinal tract by polyphenols causes the secretion of hormones including cholecystokinin (CCK) and incretins like GLP-1, which help decrease appetite and regulate blood sugar levels. This mechanism could be a way to help combat conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity without the side effects often associated with current medications. The intake of polyphenols, which are safer and have shown to cause few side effects, could be a preferable option for improving glucose tolerance and preventing obesity and diabetes.
Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon, found the study interesting as it demonstrates the potential of certain foods like polyphenols to regulate the body. As the rates of diabetes and obesity continue to rise, finding natural ways to combat these conditions through dietary interventions could be beneficial. Monique Richard, a registered dietitian nutritionist, highlighted the importance of incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, pulses, seeds, and whole grains into the diet to increase polyphenol levels. Aim to consume at least 650 mg of polyphenols a day and 35-40 gm of fiber to reap the benefits of these antioxidant compounds. By prioritizing a diet rich in polyphenol-containing foods, individuals can naturally increase hormones like GLP-1 and improve overall health.
In conclusion, the study conducted by Osakabe and her team sheds light on the potential health benefits of polyphenols in relation to glucose tolerance and appetite regulation. By activating TR2 in the gastrointestinal tract, polyphenols trigger the secretion of hormones that can help combat conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Through dietary interventions that focus on increasing polyphenol intake from plant-based sources, individuals can improve their metabolic function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Further research may provide insights into the ideal amounts and sources of polyphenols needed to achieve noticeable improvements in health outcomes.
