1. Focus On Phytochemicals

2. Copyright 2010, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Key Terms
Functional Foods
Provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition
Phytochemicals
Health-promoting substances found in plant foods
Zoochemicals
Health-promoting substances found in animal foods
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3. Examples and Benefits of Functional Foods
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4. Phytochemicals in the Modern Diet
Carotenoids
Yellow-orange pigments found in plants (and in some fish and birds)
Antioxidants; some have vitamin A activity
Major examples:
-Carotene, -carotene, -cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin
Suggested health benefits:
Reduced risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and age-related eye diseases
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5. Phytochemicals in the Modern Diet
Flavonoids
Blue, red or yellow pigments found in vegetables, fruits, wine, grape juice, chocolate and tea
Strong antioxidants
Some also have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties
Suggested health benefits:
Protecting against cancer and cardiovascular diseases
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6. Phytochemicals in the Modern Diet
Indoles and Alliums
Sulfur-containing phytochemicals
Rich in cruciferous vegetables and garlic, onions, leeks and shallots
Stimulating the activity of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens
Indoles inactivate estrogen.
Alliums boost the activity of cancer-destroying enzymes and prevent gut bacteria from converting nitrates to nitrites.
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7. Phytochemicals in the Modern Diet
Phytoestrogens and Other Plant Hormones
Phytoestrogens include isoflavones and lignins, found in soybeans, flaxseed and barley.
Suggested functions and health benefits:
Blocking estrogen receptors
May protect against certain cancers (such as breast cancer) and osteoporosis
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9. Choosing a Phytochemical-Rich Diet
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Follow guidelines
Choose fruits and vegetables with every color of the rainbow
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10. Choosing a Phytochemical-Rich Diet
Make half your grains whole.
Whole grains deliver as many, if not more, phytochemicals and antioxidants than do fruits and vegetables.
Synergistic effect of the wide variety of nutrients and phytochemicals found in whole grains
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11. Choosing a Phytochemical-Rich Diet
Choose plant proteins.
Phytochemical-rich beans, peas, nuts and seeds are also good sources of protein.
May add nutraceuticals, designer foods, phytochemical supplements, and phytochemical-fortified foods with caution:
They may only contain a fraction of the many phytochemicals found in natural foods.
No interaction between different substances
Doses may be too small or too large.
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12. Summary: Tips to Increase Phytochemicals
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13. Focus On Phytochemicals
Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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