Enjoying the 'bitter taste' of vegetables and fruits... reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. Why?

Research has shown that polyphenols, compounds that give vegetables and fruits their bitter taste, may help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. A research team from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan announced that polyphenols activate the type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs) in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Shibaura Institute of Technology is one of the four technical colleges in Tokyo.

 

Polyphenols are antioxidants naturally occurring in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Polyphenols produce a bitter taste and interact with the 'bitter taste receptor' known as the Type 2 Taste Receptor (TR2) on the tongue. These receptors are not exclusive to the tongue; they are also found in other organs such as the gastrointestinal system. With over 8,000 types, polyphenols help prevent aging and damage to human cells caused by external harmful factors such as environmental pollution, smoking, injuries, and processed food consumption.

 

Professor Naomi Osakae, the corresponding author of the study in Life Science and Engineering, said, "Bitter taste receptors are involved in secreting digestive hormones (incretins) in the gastrointestinal tract and suppressing appetite." This was in an interview with the American health and medical media 'Medical News Today.'

 

The research team conducted a study to elucidate the relationship between the bitterness of polyphenols and glucose tolerance. As a result, they discovered that activation of T2Rs in the gastrointestinal tract by polyphenols induces the secretion of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which aid in appetite and blood sugar regulation.

Hormones triggered by polyphenols may help reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

 

According to the research team, ☆polyphenols reduce the risk of certain cancers such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and colon cancer. Professor Osaka-be said, "Polyphenols have low absorption rates but improve glucose tolerance (glucose metabolism ability)." He added, "The exact mechanism behind these beneficial effects is not yet fully understood, so we are studying the relationship between polyphenol intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes."

 

GLP-1 drugs used for the treatment of diabetes and obesity have many side effects, and there are no drugs that the general public can use preventively. The research team stated, "Polyphenols are highly likely to replace current GLP-1 targeted drugs," and "It is preferable to consume enough polyphenols, which are safer than drugs and show similar effects." According to the research team, people who consume large amounts of fiber and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables are much better in terms of blood sugar control, weight management, post-meal satiety, and bowel regularity compared to those who do not. ☆ To increase polyphenol intake in your diet, you should eat all vegetables, apples, beans, black tea, blueberries, cherries, cocoa, dark chocolate, elderberries, herbs, nuts, seeds, and so on.

 

According to previous research, consuming 650mg of polyphenols per day is effective. Half a cup of blueberries contains 535mg. Most of these foods are rich in polyphenols. Consuming at least 35-40g of dietary fiber daily can also be helpful. It is recommended to include 3-4 types of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and whole grains in your daily diet, whether fresh, frozen, or canned.

 

Reporter Kim Young-seop (edwdkim@kormedi.com)

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Eating salad every day while eating lettuce

I made a sour face because of the bitterness, but I heard that polyphenol compounds can prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.

I will try to eat the lettuce or celery with gratitude, even if I look displeased.