19. Phytonutrients Flashcards
What are phytonutrients?
Chemical compounds produced by plants
Beneficial to health
What do phytonutrients do to the food source they’re in?
Give foods taste, fragrance and colour
What processes are phytonutrients by-products of?
Glycolysis
Photosynthesis
How is it best to consume phytonutrients?
In their whole food form
Not as an isolated constituent
What are primary metabolites?
Compounds necessary for plant survival Carbs Proteins Fats Enzymes Chlorophyll
What are secondary metabolites?
Synthesised by the plant in reaction to its environment Facilitates the survival of the plant Deter predators Protect from infection Attract pollinators
What are the roles of secondary metabolites in the human body?
AO Detoxification Regulate cell cycle Reduce DNA damage Hormone interaction/mimic
Why do organic plants have higher phytonutrient levels?
To protect themselves in their environment as they don’t get ‘support’ from pesticides, fertilisers and perfect conditions
Why can different chemotypes of plant occur within the same variety or species?
Because the plant responds to its environment
What factors can create a difference in phytonutrients in plants?
Chemotype Soil conditions Water conditions Fungi/bacteria Insect friends/foes Climate Seasonal cycles
Which phytonutrients are dangerous to humans?
Morphine (opium poppy)
Vinblastine (African violets)
Digoxin (foxgloves)
What are the phytonutrients present in the nightshade family that could be harmful?
Solanine
Chaconine
(both found in green potatoes)
Why can caffeine be a harmful phytonutrient?
Toxic in high doses
Strong effect on cognition, BP, sleep, endurance
Why can phytates be harmful phytonutrients?
May prevent the absorption of minerals
(e.g. zinc, iron, calcium)
Only in large quantities
What colours are flavonoids associated with?
Blue
Purple
Black
What are the overall benefits of flavonoids?
AO to fight free radicals
Support CV health/circulation
What colour is chlorophyll associated with?
Green
What are the overall benefits of chlorophyll?
Detoxification AO Wound healing Energy Anti-inflammatory Deodorising
What colours are associated with lycopene?
Red
Pink
What are the overall health benefits of lycopene?
Anti-inflammatory
High in vit C
Prostate support
What colours are carotenoids associated with?
Orange
Yellow
What are the overall health benefits of carotenoids?
Immune support
Vision
Joint health
What colours are sulphur compounds associated with?
White
Brown
What are the overall health benefits of sulphur compounds?
Detoxification
Heart
Circulation
Which phytonutrients come under the class of phenol and polyphenols?
Flavonoids
Phenolic acids
Lignans
Stilbenes
What are the subgroups of flavonoids?
Flavonols Flavones Isoflavones Flavanones Flavanols Anthocyanins
Which phytonutrients come under terpenes?
Carotenoids Alpha-carotene Beta-carotene Lycopene Lutein
Which phytonutrients come under phytosterols?
Tocopherols (vit E)
Omegas
Which phytonutrients come under sulphur compounds?
I3C
Sulforaphane
Allicin
Which group of flavonoids do catechins and epicatechins belong?
Flavanols
Food sources of catechins and epicatechins
Tea
Cacoa
Black grapes, berries, apples, plums
Vinegar (with mother)
Functions of catechins and epicatechins (CANJ)
CV health
Anti-inflammatory
Neurological
Joint health
Which group of flavonoids does quercetin belong?
Flavonols
Why must quercetin be consumed regularly for therapeutic use?
Fast excretion rate
Food sources of quercetin
Red onions Red apples Red grapes Tomatoes Berries Brassicas
Functions of quercetin (CAIG)
CV health
Anti-cancer
Immune system
Gout (xanthine oxidase)
Why is quercetin best absorbed with fats or apple pectin?
Hydrophobic
In what forms is quercetin found in foods
Glycone (bound)
Aglycone (unbound)
Which form of quercetin is found in onions and shallots, making it easier to absorb?
Aglycone
Which group of flavonoids does naringin belong?
Flavanones
How is naringin metabolised?
In the gut by intestinal bacteria
Food sources of naringin
Citrus fruits
Tomato paste
Functions of naringin (CAD)
CV health
Anti-cancer
Diabetes
What are isoflavonoids?
A group of flavonoids
Food sources of isoflavonoids
Soy Lentils Chickpeas Alfalfa sprouts Brussel sprouts Red clover
Why are soy beans best consumed fermented?
The isoflavones are present as glycosides bound to a sugar molecule
Fermentation/digestion releases the glycoside leaving a aglycone
Why do the health benefits of soy isoflavones depend on one’s gut flora?
Some colonic bacteria can convert the soy isoflavone daidzein to equol
Why is equol a better isoflavone than daidzein?
Equol has greater oestrogenic activity
What can favour equol production?
Eating isoflavones from a young age
Being vegetarian
Regular consumption of seaweed and green tea
Functions of isoflavonoids (OCO)
Oestrogenic activity
CV health
Osteoporosis
5 recommendations for a client to support their bone mineral density
D3/K2 - sunlight, liver Ca - dark leafy greens Legumes - isoflavonoids Miso/tempeh - isoflavonoids Weight bearing exercise - walking
Which drug may interact with high intakes of soy protein?
Warfarin
Which pathology has been shown to have reduced risk of death and recurrence following soy food consumption?
Breast cancer
Which type of soya is not recommended?
Soy protein isolate
Why is soy protein isolate not recommended for consumption?
Highly processed
Unfermented
May be GMO
May stimulate tumour growth
What are lignans metabolised by?
Intestinal bacteria