The so-called “anti-oxidants” (green tea, red wine, blueberries, chocolate) the media talks about all the time contain “polyphenols”. The link below is to a blog entry that examines the true effects of polyphenols. It finds that they are NOT really anti-oxidants in a direct way. On the contrary - they tend to irritate and inflame our membranes and cells.
If consumed in small amounts, however, polyphenols have a hormetic effect. Hormesis occurs when the body responds favorably to toxins and stressors. Exercise is an example. It stresses the body (and even destroys muscle) but in moderate amounts makes you stronger. Apparently, polyphenols have a similar effect. Consumed in small amounts, they apparently energize our cells to fend off oxidative stress. Consumed in large amounts, they may be harmful, as they are toxins.
http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2011/02/polyphenols-hormesis-and-disease-part.html
