Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant chemical naturally found in plant-based foods that interact with bitter taste receptors on the tongue known as Type 2 taste receptors (TR2). Research has shown that these receptors are not only present on the tongue but also in other organs, including those in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan discovered that the activation of TR2 by polyphenols in the GI tract leads to the secretion of hormones that may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Polyphenols are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and there are over 8,000 types of polyphenols, all with antioxidant properties that protect cells from aging and damage.
Past studies have suggested that bitter taste receptors, including TR2, are involved in hormone secretion in the digestive tract, leading to appetite suppression and increased production of incretin, a digestive hormone. Researchers aimed to investigate how polyphenols’ bitterness affects glucose tolerance and found that the activation of TR2 in the GI tract by polyphenols leads to the release of hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which can help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. These gastrointestinal hormones triggered by polyphenols could potentially reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, among other conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers like colorectal cancer.
Naomi Osakabe, Ph.D., and her team explored the relationship between polyphenols, TR2 in the GI tract, and their potential health benefits. They found that activating TR2 with polyphenols triggers the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK) and incretins such as GLP-1, which help decrease appetite and regulate blood sugar. The researchers noted that current medications for diabetes can have side effects, creating a need for safer alternatives. Polyphenols, which have similar effects on GLP-1 without being absorbed into the blood, could potentially replace existing drugs targeting GLP-1 receptors and help prevent obesity and diabetes without significant side effects.
Mir Ali, MD, a board-certified bariatric surgeon, found the study intriguing and emphasized the potential of diet in regulating the body to improve health conditions like diabetes and obesity. Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, advised increasing the intake of polyphenol-rich foods like blueberries, fiber-rich plants, fruits, vegetables, legumes, pulses, seeds, and whole grains to support better blood glucose regulation, weight management, and satiety. By incorporating a variety of colorful and plant-based foods rich in polyphenols, individuals can enhance their overall health and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.
The research highlights the importance of understanding how polyphenols interact with the body’s systems, particularly in the GI tract, to promote the secretion of beneficial hormones and regulate appetite and blood sugar. By exploring the potential health benefits of polyphenols and how they affect the secretion of hormones like GLP-1, researchers aim to develop safer alternatives for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. Increasing the intake of polyphenol-rich foods and adopting a plant-based diet can help support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases by naturally enhancing hormone regulation and metabolic function. Prioritizing the consumption of whole foods rich in polyphenols rather than relying on medications can empower individuals to improve their health and well-being through dietary choices.
