Transcript Phytochemicals - Fort Lewis College

Phytochemicals
• What are they?
• How are they beneficial?
• Can I just take a pill containing these
substances?
• Are there any negative effects?
• How do I know whether phytochemicals
are research-proven?
Current "Buzzwords" in Nutrition
Chemoprevention -- Using one or several chemical compounds to prevent,
stop, or reverse the development of cancer.
Designer Food -- Processed foods that are supplemented with food
ingredients naturally rich in disease-preventing substances.
Functional Food -- Any modified food or food ingredient that may provide
a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains.
Nutraceutical -- Specific chemical compounds in food, including vitamins
and additives, that may aid in preventing disease.
Pharmafood -- Food or nutrient that claims medical or health benefits,
including the prevention and treatment of disease.
Phytochemical --Nonnutrient plant chemicals that contain protective,
disease-preventing compounds.
Most Commonly Studied Phytochemicals
Food
Phytochemical(s)
Allium vegetables
(garlic, onions, chives, leeks)
Allyl sulfides
Cruciferous vegetables
(broccoli, cauliflower,
cabbage, Brussels sprouts,
kale, turnips, bok choy,
kohlrabi)
Indoles/glucosinolates
Sulfaforaphane
Isothiocyanates/thiocyanates
Thiols
Solanaceous vegetables
(tomatoes, peppers)
Lycopene
Umbelliferous vegetables
(carrots, celery, cilantro,
parsley, parsnips)
Carotenoids
Phthalides
Polyacetylenes
Compositae plants (artichoke)
Silymarin
Food
Phytochemical(s)
Citrus fruits
(oranges, lemons, grapefruit)
Glucarates
Monoterpenes (limonene)
Carotenoids
Other fruits (grapes, berries,
cherries, apples, cantaloupe,
watermelon, pomegranate)
Ellagic acid
Phenols
Flavonoids (quercetin)
Beans, grains, seeds
(soybeans, oats, barley, brown
rice, whole wheat, flax seed)
Protease inhibitors
Flavonoids (isoflavones)
Phytic acid
Saponins
Herbs, spices (ginger, mint,
rosemary, thyme, oregano,
sage, basil, tumeric, caraway,
fennel)
Gingerols
Flavonoids
Monoterpenes (limonene)
Licorice root
Green tea
Polyphenols
Glycyrrhizin Catechins
How do phytochemicals work?
Antioxidant -
Hormonal action -
Stimulation of enzymes -
Interference with DNA replication -
Anti-bacterial effect -
Which phytochemicals have been researchproven?
Functional Food
Effective Nutrient
Possible Health
Benefit
FDA Approved
Health Claim
Fruits and vegetables
Vitamins,
Phytochemicals, fiber
Reduce cancer risk
Reduce heart disease
risk
Yes
Calcium-fortified
orange juice
Calcium
Reduce risk for
osteoporosis
Yes
Oatmeal
Soluble fiber
Reduce cholesterol
Yes
Milk, low-fat
Calcium
Reduce risk for
osteoporosis
Yes
Psyllium-containing
pasta, bread, snack
foods
Psyllium fiber
Reduce heart disease
risk
Yes
Soy
Soy protein
Reduce heart disease
risk
Yes
Broccoli
Sulforaphane
Reduce cancer risk
No
Tomato Products
Lycopene
Reduce risk for
prostate cancer and
heart attack
No
Tea
Catechins
Reduce risk for heart
disease and some
types of cancers
No
Garlic
Organosulfur
compounds
Reduce risk for cancer,
heart disease, control
high blood pressure
No