Phytochemicals What are they How are they beneficial

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 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, No heart disease, control high blood pressure