A new study by the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) researches in Tokyo has shown that foods rich in flavonoid B-type procyanidin have multiple health benefits. Such foods include apples, chocolates, blueberries, red wine, tea, and grape seeds. 

Consuming the right amounts of flavonoid B-type procyanidin reduces the risk of heart disease. 

According to the Jerusalem Post, if the right amounts of these compounds are consumed, they can reduce the risk of strokes and cardiovascular disease and help regulate hypertension, body fat imbalance (dyslipidaemia)and glucose intolerance. 

Procyanidins are polyphenols that can be found in vegetables, dietary fruits, grains, nuts, and legumes. These are the most popular proanthocyanidins that result from (-)-epicatechin and flavan-3-ols (+)-catechin. It is vital to note that polyphenols are the plant metabolites in commonly used foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. 

Professor Naomi Osakabe from SIT’s Department of Bioscience and Engineering examined the findings from interventional studies that confirm the “hormetic responses” from consuming B-type procyanidin-rich foods.

 Hormesis is the process that propels biological alterations from cells to higher biological organization levels, according to the American Chemical Society. The effect also occurs when a product’s peak effects are attained at mid-range concentrations and diminish with lower or higher levels.

Yasuyuki Fujii and Taiki Fushimi joined Prof Osakabe to conduct in-vivo studies to understand the relationship between B-type procyanidin hermetic reaction and neurotransmitter receptor activation in the central nervous system. 

Study demonstrated the physiological benefits of B-type procyanidin to CNS

Published in the Frontiers of Nutrition, the “Hormetic Response to B-type Procyanidin Ingestion Involves Stress-related Neuromodulation via the Gut-brain Axis: Preclinical and Clinical Observations,” study demonstrates the physiological advantages of B-type procyanidin-rich foods to the CNS. 

Researchers discovered enhancements in cognitive abilities. In addition, a small amount of a typically toxic substance causes tolerance to larger concentrations, as shown by a U-shaped curve representing the hormone response in the body.

More studies, according to researchers, are required to determine the precise relationship between CNS and B-type procyanidins. Nevertheless, they concluded that foods high in them, like dark chocolate, continue to provide numerous health benefits.