Chapter 13 Health Benefits and Phytochemicals in Whole Foods

Question 1

discuss the relationship between intake of fruits and vegetables and the phytochemicals they contain and the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

13.1 & 13.3.1

Answer 1

epidemiological studies consistently show that regular consumption of fruit and veggies as well as whole grains is strongly associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as CVD, Cancer, type 2 diabetes, cataracts and age related functional decline.

phytochemicals:
The word phytochemicals is derived from the greek word phyto which means plant.

Question 2

discuss the importance of oxidative stress in the causation of cancer and cardiovascular disease. 13.3

Answer 2

cells in humans and other organisms are constantly exposed to a variety of oxidizing agents some of which are necessary for life.
They may be present in the air, food, water or produced by metabolic activity with in the cells.
Key is to maintain balance between oxidants and antioxidants.
overproduction of oxidants lead to oxidative stress and can cause oxidative damage to large biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, and lipids resulting in the increase for cancer and CVD.
Fruits and veggies and whole grains contain a wide variety of antioxidants such as phenolics and carotenoids.

Question 3

discuss the value of individual phytochemicals and of whole foods as preventives of cancer. 13.3.1

Answer 3

Flavonoids protect from all types of cancers.

Quercetin (type of flavonoid) from onions, and apples are protective against lung cancer

Question 4

discuss the value of individual phytochemicals and of whole foods as preventives of
cardiovascular disease. 13.3.2

Answer 4

flavonoids are highly protective
antioxidants help prevent oxidization of LDL which leads to atherosclerosis.

Phytochemicals have a role in:

• reduction of platelet aggregates
• modulation of cholesterol synthesis and absorption
• reduction of BP

Question 5

How does phytochemicals protect against oxidative stress? 13.3.1

Answer 5

antioxidants help by:

• scavenging free radicals
• regulating of gene expression in cell proliferation and apoptosis
• modulating of detoxification enzymes
• stimulation of the immune system
• regulation of hormone metabolism
• antibacterial
• and antiviral properties