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Functional Foods & Phytochemicals. Melissa Rutz 4/21/14 Nutrition. Definitions. Functional Food- are foods that are eaten that contain something that is health promoting Phytochemicals- a wide variety of compounds that are produced by plants that help promote health. Functional Foods.
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Functional Foods & Phytochemicals Melissa Rutz 4/21/14 Nutrition
Definitions • Functional Food- are foods that are eaten that contain something that is health promoting • Phytochemicals- a wide variety of compounds that are produced by plants that help promote health
Functional Foods • Ex: lycopene is found in tomato products which may provide health benefits that are beyond the basic nutrients by help prevent some cancers. • Many health promoting ingredients in the functional foods are phytochemicals
Beans-are an inexpensive way to get lots of nutrients such as fiber, potassium, & many B vitamins • Nuts-tree nuts contain healthy fats (mono/poly) but could contain heart healthy phytochemicals as well • Cocoa-(dark chocolate) is a rich source of antioxidants that could protect blood vessels & heart • Tea- green & black contains polyphenols that appears to be heart healthy • Spinach- containing lutein that is a phytochemical that helps protect the eyes from cataracts & muscular degeneration • Plant stanols/sterols- occur naturally in small amounts in plants but added to some margarines/foods and to help block the absorption of cholesterol
Additional Superfoods Could include the following
Berries • Cabbage • Broccoli • Brussels Sprouts • Citrus Fruits • Pumpkin • Soy • Sweet Potatoes • Tomatoes • Whole Grains
Extra Information Food manufacturers also add Thus results in Functional food & beverages Such as enhanced bottled water with vitamins & minerals Margarine w/plant stanols to lower cholesterol & energy drinks w/ taurine • Vitamins • Minerals • Phytochemicals • &/herbs • To beverages and food
Other foods known for phytochemicals • Red Wine-in which it contains reversatrol that influences heart health in a positive way • Tomatoes-in which it contains lycopene that could have anticancer properties • Berries-such as blueberries & raspberries contain flavonoids that act as antioxidants • Green tea- contains polyphenols that could have anticancer properties
Some phytochemicals act as antioxidants • Broccoli- contains sulforaphane which lowers the risk of prostate cancer & aggressive prostate cancer • Isoflavones- mostly found in soy foods, also known as phytoestrogens, may help lower risks of breast & ovarian cancer • Flavonoids- are found in citrus fruits, onions, grapes, wine & tea, in which were thought to help prevent heart disease & cancer • The cabbage family- also called cruciferous veggies, contain chemicals such as indoles & dithiolthiones in which lowers the risk of lung, colorectal, & prostate cancer • Garlic- contains allicin a chemical that acts like an antioxidant that is similar to vitamin A, C & E. some evidence says that garlic may slightly lower blood cholesterol levels & blood pressure