March 06, 2025

The benefits of flavonoids and polyphenols in Steens raw Mānuka honey

You may have heard the buzz about polyphenols and flavonoids and know they're good for you—but you might not be entirely sure why. In this blog post, we’ll break down their benefits, show you simple ways to add them to your everyday meals, and share tips on keeping your overall wellness in top shape!

What are Flavonoids & Polyphenols?

Polyphenols and flavonoids are powerful natural compounds celebrated for their antioxidant properties, contributing significantly to overall health and wellness.

Essentially, they’re a group of phytonutrients—terms that are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably—that occur naturally in plants. In the wild, these compounds act as a built-in defense system for plants, protecting them from insects and UV damage. When we eat them, they seem to lend us some of that protective power too.

Think of them as nature’s own defenders. These naturally occurring compounds help protect your cells by neutralizing free radicals, those pesky molecules that can cause oxidative stress in your body. You might already be getting a dose of these antioxidants from colorful fruits, veggies, and a nice cup of tea.

Polyphenols and Flavonoids in Manuka Honey

Created by bees that pollinate the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), Mānuka Honey's remarkable health benefits can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids, which work synergistically to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair.

The flavonoids in Manuka honey help modulate enzyme functions and enhance vascular health, while its polyphenols provide potent antioxidant activity that safeguards cells from damage.

It’s pretty exciting to think that something as simple as including more polyphenol-rich foods in our diet could have such wide-ranging benefits. Whether you’re looking to support your heart, enhance your metabolism, or simply keep your skin looking fresh, these natural compounds offer a deliciously promising way to boost your overall health.

Foods that contain Polyphenols and Flavonoids

Nuts - Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and pecans contain the most.
Berries - Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries.
Fruits - black currents, plums, cherries and apples
Vegetables - artichokes, red onion, spinach
Tea - black tea, green tea, ginger tea
Herbs and spices - Cloves and mint
Cocoa powder

Whole food recipes to try:

Triple Berry Crumble Bars

Berries also offer a plethora of health benefits. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, they aid digestion, support heart health, lower inflammation, and maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The best part is, this recipe is naturally sweetened with raw manuka honey, making it a healthy, refined sugar free treat.

Cinnamon Apple Berry Fritters

Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle. The beauty of these fritters lies in their texture. The exterior is golden and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. Inside, the apples and berries remain soft and juicy, creating a delightful contrast that’s both comforting and indulgent. The warmth of the spices and the sweetness of the honey make these fritters a treat that’s hard to resist.

Raw Nutty Manuka Honey Bars

This slice is a great balance of proteins and carbs, is hearty but light, not too sweet and stores in the fridge for ages. I love it that the goodness of the Manuka Honey is 100% retained and with the nut butter, dates, nuts and seeds it’s a great energy booster.

Cardamom Hot Chocolate with Honey Cream

There’s something about hot cocoa that has been warmed in a pot rather than just added to water that gives it extra richness, and the feeling of a special treat. It also helps the cardamom to soak into the milk and chocolate flavours and infuse your drink with a depth of flavour and spicy warmth.

Frozen Berry Pie Bites

Gluten and dairy free, our Frozen Cherry Pie Bites are the ideal healthy sweet snack and exceptionally popular with kids. Best of all, these will keep in the freezer for a couple of months so make them well in advance and grab them out on the day or simply snack as you walk past the freezer if you need a cherry / berry pick-me-up.