Bus snifflers are rising. Friends keep cancelling cos they’re feeling rubbish. Zoom small talk has devolved to everyone comparing colds. Winter is very much here, and those illnesses are proper going for it. Worst thing is there’s no escaping them when we’re all contagiously cosied up to each other as we retreat to the great indoors.
Right now, your immune system needs all the love it can get. There’s only one thing for it. It’s time to get on the polyphenols.
ON THE....WHAT?
Polyphenols. Naturally occurring compounds that can be found in many fruits, veg... and as a result, MOJU. In nature, they protect plants from things like ultraviolet radiation and pathogens, like a defence system. In food, they impact things like bitterness, heat, colour, flavour and smell. But as we’re talking about immune systems right now, you’ll probably be most interested to hear about the research that’s been happening there.
POLYPHENOLS + HEALTH
Our immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies) and chemicals. This system works together to protect us from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause infection, illness and disease.
Hideous fact time: we’re bombarded with 60,000 germs every…single…day (link). Fortunately for us, only 1-2% are potentially harmful – but we still need to fend them off. Our immune system is constantly sorting through this information and preparing the body to respond to this microbial onslaught, which is why you need yours to be sharp.We’re starting to understand that diets rich in plant polyphenols can offer some decent health benefits (link). Our good friend ginger, for example, is packed full of several different polyphenols such as 6-ginerol, 8-ginerol and 10-gingerol, quercetin, zingerone, gingerenone-A, and 6-dehydrogingerdione (link). All of these are thought to have a potential positive impact on immune function.
WHAT DO THE POLYPHENOLS DO?
When it comes to polyphenols, research has demonstrated that they could mop up free radicals. These are compounds that are found in our body that can cause us harm, so polyphenols act as doormen and boot them out before they wreck the place.
In addition to this, up to 95% of polyphenols you eat travel (undigested) to the colon where they feed your microbes (link). Promoting the growth of the beneficial bacteria in your microbiome which gives you loving support in return.More and more research is coming out about the long term benefits of eating a polyphenol-rich diet. The good news is MOJU shots are packed with the stuff, so are a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables.
If you want to keep fighting fit this winter, you know what to do. Get smashing those shots and get your polyphenols in, stat!
