Spring and summer are a beautiful time of year for many people. However, a pollen allergy can cause unpleasant symptoms and significantly affect the quality of life of those affected. Medications are often used to treat symptoms, but many of them cause unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there are natural ways to relieve the symptoms of hay fever: one increasingly popular method is taking polyphenols. In this article we explain what polyphenols are, how they can help against hay fever and which foods are rich in polyphenols.
What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are natural, plant-based compounds that are known for their antioxidant effects. They are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables and tea, as well as spices, herbs and wine, and have a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
How do polyphenols help with hay fever?
Polyphenols can relieve hay fever symptoms in several ways. Inflammation is part of the natural immune response, but can lead to undesirable symptoms in allergic reactions. Polyphenols can reduce inflammation and thus alleviate hay fever symptoms. Polyphenols also exhibit an anti-allergic effect by reducing the release of histamine, a compound that is released during allergic reactions and can lead to symptoms such as sneezing and itching. In addition, polyphenols have an antioxidant effect that can help reduce damage caused by free radicals. Adequate intake of polyphenols can help reduce inflammation, to alleviate allergic reactions and reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
What are the best sources of polyphenols for hay fever?
There are numerous plant-based foods that contain lots of polyphenols and can therefore help with hay fever. Here are some of the best:
- Apples: Apples are an excellent source of polyphenols, especially heirloom apple varieties. They contain high levels of flavonoids such as quercetin, which may help relieve the symptoms of hay fever due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Berries: Many berries such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries are also rich in polyphenols, such as anthocyanins. These have a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.
- Tea: Green and black tea in particular are an excellent source of polyphenols. Just one cup a day can increase your polyphenol intake and thus naturally counteract hay fever symptoms.
What other natural sources of polyphenols for hay fever are there?
In addition to other plant sources of polyphenols such as onions, herbs and spices such as turmeric and oregano or tomatoes, dietary supplements such as vitamin C can help reduce hay fever symptoms. The natural dietary supplement BlossomUp, which is rich in vitamin C and contains polyphenols from apples as part of the active ingredient combination, can help relieve the symptoms of hay fever during pollen season.
Polyphenols with health benefits in the fight against hay fever
Polyphenols are natural, plant-based compounds that are found in many foods and have numerous health benefits. Due to their anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, this is particularly true of their ability to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. Increased intake of polyphenols can be achieved by integrating foods containing polyphenols, such as apples, berries and tea, into the diet. Other natural remedies, such as dietary supplements or everyday tips, can also provide relief.
Sources
Dietary polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases, A. Singh A et al Clin Exp Allergy. 2011
Clinical efficacy of apple polyphenol for treating cedar pollinosis. Kishi, K et al Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2005
Clinical effects of Apple polyphenols on persistent Allergic Rhinitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel arm study. J. Investig. Allergol. Enomoto, T et al Clin.Immunol. 2006