Transcript phyto1
Phytochemicals- Vitamins of the Future? Created by: Tricia Fleming, University of Kansas Dietetic Intern Tammy Beason, MS, RD, Nutrition Education Specialist, Family Nutrition Education Program December 2001 The American Diet Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Surprise- Surprise! Eat 5 a day campaign Do we need yet another reason to eat fruits and vegetables? What are Phytochemicals? Phyto- greek word for plants Substances in plants that may help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease. So far, scientists know of 3,000 different phytochemicals with possible health benefits. Phytochemical Terminology Definitions you may need to know: Free radicals- are byproducts of metabolism. They are capable of causing cells to lose their structure, function and eventually destroying them. Connected with the development of 50 diseases including heart disease and cancer. Phytochemical Terminology What are antioxidants? Capable of stabilizing or deactivating free radicals before they attack cells. Chemoprevention- using one or several compounds to prevent, stop or reverse the development of cancer. So what’s so exciting about Phytochemicals? Apparent ability to stop a cell’s conversion from healthy to cancerous. Inhibit various hormone actions and metabolic pathways that are associated with the development of cancer and heart disease. So what’s so exciting about Phytochemicals? Some phytochemicals have been found to lower cholesterol. Others have been found to help prevent blood clotting. Keep blood pressure down. Where can you find phytochemicals? Highest anticancer activity can be found in garlic, soybeans, cabbage, ginger, licorice root, and the umbelliferous vegetables. Additional foods found to have cancer protective activity: onions, flax, citrus, tumeric , cruciferous veggies, tomatoes, sweet peppers and brown rice. The Phytochemical Family There are thousands of phytochemicals. But some of the basic classes of them are found in these foods: Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, dark leafy greens. Phytochemicals found are: organosulfur and glucosinolates they may help prevent cancer. Phytochemicals in the News! Soy has been nicknamed the Miracle Bean Chinese have regular consumption of soybeans and tofu. They have 1/2 the risk of cancer than Americans. The Color Wheel Eat your colors! Red - Lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, vitamin ETomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable juice, tomato soup, watermelon. Green- Glucosinolates, Isothiocyanates, Indole-3 Carbinol, and Folic Acid Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Bok Choy, Cauliflower , Cabbage The Color Wheel Green/Yellow- Lutein, Zeaxanthin Spinach, Avocado, Kale , Green Beans, Green Peppers, Kiwi, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens Orange- Alpha and Beta Carotene Carrots Pumpkins, Squash, Mangos, Apricots, Cantaloupe The Color Wheel! Orange/Yellow- Vitamin C Flavonoids Oranges, Orange Juice, Tangerines, Peaches, lemons, Limes, Pineapple. Red-Purple Anthocyanins, Ellagic Acid, Flavonoids, Grapes and grape juice, cherries, red wine, strawberries, raisins The Color Wheel! White/ Green - Allyl Sulfides Garlic, Onion, and Chives