Polyphenols are a large class of chemical compounds synthesized by fruits, vegetables, teas, cocoa and other plants that possess certain health benefits. Polyphenols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and other biological properties, and may protect from oxidative stress and some diseases. Polyphenols are divided into several groups, one of which is represented by flavonoids.

Classification of Polyphenols

Polyphenols are very abundant in nature and extremely diverse. There are more than 8,000 different polyphenolic compounds identified to date. That is why the terminology and classification of polyphenols is complex and confusing. Although all polyphenols have similar chemical structures, there are some distinctive differences. Based on these differences polyphenols are subdivided into several major subclasses: phenolic acids, stilbenes, tannins, diferuloylmethanes and flavonoids.

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