The language of food science, particularly plant science, can be intimidating. One word that recurs over and over is polyphenols. What are they and why are they important? Where are they found in the diet? How do they affect appetite?
Polyphenols are a type of chemical naturally occurring in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. There are more than 8,000 types of polyphenols, all of which are antioxidants that have the potential to protect the body’s cells from aging and damage from outside factors like injuries, environmental pollution, smoking, and eating processed foods.
Because polyphenols often have a bitter flavor (think arugula, black tea, broccoli rabe/rapini) they interact with the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, known as the Type 2 taste receptors or TR2. These receptors are found in the tongue and in the GI tract. When we eat bitter foods, the receptors are activated. A new review indicates that these receptors can suppress our appetite, lead to satiety, and lower the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Where to Find Polyphenols?
- all vegetables
- apples
- beans
- teas, particularly black
- blueberries
- cherries
- cocoa powder
- elderberries
- herbs like oregano
- nuts and seeds
What Are The Potential Benefits of the Bitter Taste of Polyphenols?
- Activate TR2 receptors
- Produce satiety
- Curb appetite
- Reduce the risk of type 2 DM
- Reduce the risk of obesity
- Replace GLP-1 agonist injectable medications (Ozempic and Mounjaro)
Are There Supplements that Make it Easier to Stimulate Bitter Receptors?
The government of New Zealand and its food research institute have funded ongoing research on bitter compounds and diet suppression (appetite control). After a long and thorough search, they identified that bitter hops had the most activity on bitter taste receptors and increased a family of hormones that suppress appetite. They commercialized the compound as Calocurb (Joel10) and the research studies are found on their website.
CONCLUSIONS
Our appetites evolved for a world of calorie scarcity. We do not realize our stomachs are full until about 40 minutes after eating.
This is how long it takes for the GLP-1 signals to be released from digestion interaction and reach the brain. This was fine in a world before the abundance of calorie-dense foods. It is possible to consume many more calories than nature ever intended before knowing we have had enough.
Calocurb closes the loop.
Taking a capsule before a meal primes your brain to feel it has already eaten some food. You can enjoy the taste, feeling and satiety of eating but can easily exert better control over portion size and snacking – as you feel full faster.
Perhaps never before has weight management involved feeling full and satisfied. We envision a World wherein having two capsules before a meal is as common as having a coffee to feel more alert or eating whole foods to snack sensibly.
I advocate for eating well and living a balanced, healthy life.
About the author: At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kahn-md-757a59225
https://www.facebook.com/drjoelkahn
https://www.calocurb.com/pages/science
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429224009805?via%3Dihub
