This group constitutes the majority of dietary antioxidants (and also of secondary plant metabolites). Plants typically produce polyphenols as a defence against herbivores and various stresses in general. It is estimated that in Westernized countries, polyphenol intake is approx. and capita (reviewed by Bouayed and Bohn, 2010), with higher intake for persons following a vegetarian diet. Food sources that are especially rich in polyphenols include, among others, potato, plums, leafy vegetables, whole grain products, and coffee (Souci et al., 2000). .
