The antimicrobial activity of polyphenols and flavonoids is often overlooked by the average individual. These substances have the ability to inhibit the formation of biofilms which is one of the means that bacteria protect themselves from immune attack. Biofilms are like fortresses which can lock out immune cells and antibiotics. Polyphenols also have the ability to interfere with the ability of microbial invaders to attach to cells and invade them. Finally, polyphenols have the ability to neutralize bacterial toxins. They can improve the effectiveness of antibiotics and may prove a way forward where many bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics.
The
catechins in tea are very powerful antimicrobial agents. The
polyphenols in berries inhibit harmful bacteria in the digestive tract
but are not harmful to the beneficial lactic acid producing bacteria.
Some polyphenols can center the membrane of the cell and exert
antimicrobial activity within cells. Polyphenols possess anti-bacterial,
anti-viral and also anti-fungal activity. Hardwoods like oak are
resistant to fungal deterioration due to their high content of
polyphenols.
NeoLife products high in polyphenols include NeoLife Tea, Flavonoid Complex, and Tre.
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