8 - Functional Foods Flashcards
What are functional foods?
Foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition
e.g. epidemiological studies - diet rich in fruits and vegetables related to low incidence of cancer
What are phytochemicals?
phyto - plant derived
non-nutrient compounds that have biological activity in the body
What are phytoestrogens?
Phyto - plant derived
similar to human estrogen in structure and function
What are phytosterols?
Phyto - plant derived
Similar to cholesterol in structure
What are polyphenolic compounds?
Poly - many
Phenol - phenol groups or more than one hydroxyl group on benzene ring
What are secondary metabolites?
Organic compounds not directly involved in normal growth, development or reproduction
What are flavonoids?
Plant pigments
Secondary metabolites of plants
Some are polyphenolic
What are lycopenes?
Red pigments in tomatoes
A carotene which is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of many carotenoids e.g., β carotene
What are isoflavonoids?
A class of flavonoid
Phytoestrogens
Some are polyphenolic
What are the benefits of functional foods compared to basic nutrition?
May contain compounds other than basic nutrients that may confer health benefit beyond the basic requirements for growth and development
e.g., phytochemicals (phytoestrogen, antioxidants), zoochemicals
What does phytoestrogen do in the body?
Mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors, may modulate the effects of estrogen in the body
Correlates to reduced rates of some cancers
Taken as supplement may stimulate estrogen dependent cancers
More studies are required
What are the benefits of antioxidants?
Fruits and vegetables - lower risk of heart disease and neurological diseases
Prevent oxidative stress - scavenge biological radicals (e.g., ROO·) before they oxidise/damage DNA, protein and lipids leading to cancer, atherosclerosis, etc.
Donate H to neutralise free radicals
Many polyphenolic compounds in plants have antioxidant activities
What are some of the benefits of resveratrol?
Life extension, cancer prevention, endurance, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic
What do enzyme inhibitors do in the body?
Inhibit the digestion of energy providing nutrient
e.g., carbohydrate inhibitors - control release of glucose for diabetics, weight management
What are some possible benefits of zoochemicals that are being investigated?
Immunoglobins - antibodies from milk sources Antimicrobial effect (active biopeptides, lactoferrin, lysozyme)
What can vitamin C + Zinc do vs a common cold?
May reduce duration and severity of cold and reduce illness incidence when exposed to physical and environmental stress
When a food is modified (e.g., removal of fats) to provide health benefits, what does it make the food?
It is a functional food
What is the effect of consuming low fats foods?
Lower risk of getting heart disease
What is the effect of consuming low sodium/salt?
Reduce blood pressure/hypertension
Fresh milk with added omega 3,
bread with added folic acid,
cranberry juice which decrease the risk of UTIs,
foods with probiotics,
foods with prebiotics (naturally found in wheat, barley, rye, garlic, leeks etc.)
are examples of ______
functional foods
What are nutraceuticals?
Extracts of plants or other functional components in a pill
Effectiveness compared to consumption of wholesome food is yet to be verified
High intake of fruits and vegetables rich in β carotene is related to lower incidence of lung cancer for smokers.
This is not the case for β carotene supplements. Why?
Synerginistic phytochemicals - β carotene in blood shows high intake of fruits and vegetables, other phytochemicals may contribute to the reduced risk of cancer
Increase of lycopene in tomato,
vitamin B in rice,
increase isoflavones in soy,
addition of essential amino acid in vegetables,
removal of protein causing allergic reactions in nuts,
heme in ‘Impossible burger’
are examples of _____
GM (genetic modification) functional foods
What are some benefits of GM foods?
Improved nutritional or functional compound content
Reduced herbicide and pesticide used
Improved flavours
Production of seedless crops
Production of crops without allergenic protein
What are some concerns of GM foods?
Cross pollination/breeding with non-GM crop/animals Cost of GM seeds Insect may become resistant to GM crops Unknown long-term effects Ethical issues Introduction of allergenic protein
What are some dangerous phytochemicals in foods?
Cassava (cyanogenic glycosides –> cyanide - affect central nervous system, lethal)
Green potato (solanine - toxic, affects gastrointestinal tract and nerve impulses)
Red kidney beans (lectin - stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea if not cooked at high enough temperatures)
What are some concerns regarding functional foods?
Are they really better? Do they work?
How much should one consume added phytochemicals or zoochemicals?
Is it safe?
Will the addition/removal or one ingredient necessarily make the food a better choice?
What must nutrient function claims have?
Established recommended intakes
Scientific evidence
Enables public to understand the significance to their overall daily diet
Not imply that nutrient is for prevention or treatment of disease
