phytochemicals

Question 1

Phytochemical

Sometimes referred to as phytonutrients.

Answer 1

any chemical or nutrient derived from a plant source.

In common usage have more limited definition. Usually refer to compounds found in plants not required for normal functioning of the body but which have a beneficial effect on health or an active role in the amelioration of disease.

Question 2

Carotenoids

Functional components

Source

Potential benefits

Answer 2

Alpha-carotene Beta-carotene, Lutein

Carrots, Fruits, Vegetables

Neutralize free radicals, which may cause damage to cells

Question 3

Dietary Fibre

what 3 fibres

Answer 3

Insoluble fibre, beta-glucan, soluble fibre

Question 4

insoluble fibre
Beta-Glucan
soluble fibre

Answer 4

INsoluble fibre:What bran: Reduce risk of breast or colon cancer

Beta-glucan: Oats, barley, psyllium:
Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

Soluble fibre: psyllium: Protect against heart disease and some cancers; lower LDL and total cholesterol

Question 5

Fatty Acids

2

Answer 5

Long chain omega -3 Fatty Acids-DHA/EPA
and
CLAs

Question 6

Long chain omega -3 Fatty Acids-DHA/EPA

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Answer 6

Salmon and other fish oils: Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Improve mental, visual functions.

Cheese, meat products: Improve body composition. Decrease risk of certain cancers

Question 7

Anthocyanidins

Answer 7

Fruits

Neutralize free radicals; reduce risk of cancer

Question 8

Lignans

Answer 8

Flax, rye, vegetables

Prevention of cancer, renal failure

Question 9

Tannins (proanthocyanidins)

Answer 9

Cranberries, cranberry products, cocoa, chocolate

Improve urinary tract health. Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

Question 10

Plant Sterols

Stanol ester

Answer 10

Corn, soy, wheat, wood oils

Lower blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol absorption

Question 11

Prebiotics/Probiotics

Answer 11

Jerusalem Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS):
artichokes, shallots, onion powder

Improve quality of intestinal microflora; gastrointestinal health

Lactobacillus
Yogurt, Other dairy

Question 12

Soy Phytoestrogens

Isoflavones: Daidzein Genistein

Answer 12

Soybeans and soy-based foods

Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes Protect against heart disease and some cancers; lower LDL and total cholesterol

Question 13

Antioxidant

Answer 13

Protect cells against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Phytochemicals with antioxidant activity: allyl sulfides (onions, leeks, garlic), carotenoids (fruits, carrots), flavonoids (fruits, vegetables), polyphenols (tea, grapes).

Question 14

Hormonal action

Answer 14

Isoflavones, found in soy, imitate human estrogens and help to reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis

Question 15

Stimulation of enzymes

Answer 15

Indoles, found in cabbages, stimulate enzymes that make estrogen less effective and could reduce the risk for breast cancer. Isothiocyanates, also from cabbages, stimulate expression of antioxidant enzymes. Other phytochemicals, which interfere with enzymes, are protease inhibitors (soy and beans), and terpenes (citrus fruits and cherries).

Question 16

Interference with DNA replication

Answer 16

Saponins found in beans interfere with the replication of cell DNA, thereby preventing the multiplication of cancer cells. Capsaicin, found in hot peppers, protects DNA from carcinogens.

Question 17

Anti-bacterial effect

Answer 17

• The phytochemical allicin from garlic has anti- bacterial properties.

Question 18

Polyphenols

Answer 18

a compound containing more than one phenolic hydroxyl group.

Flavonoids – eg. flavonols, catechins, anthocyanins
Phenolic acids – caffeic acid, gallic acid
Isoflavones – genestein, diadzein
Lignans – eg. from flaxseed
Others – resveratrol, sesaminol, curcumin, capsaicin, ellagic acid, tannins, humulon, hydroxytyrosol

Question 19

Organosulfur compounds

Answer 19

Diallyl sulfides
Dithiolthiones
Glucosinolates/isothiocyanates

Question 20

Terpenoids

Answer 20

Monoterpenes – limonene, carvone
Triterpenes – limonin, nomilin
Saponins - ginsenosides
Ginkgolides

Question 21

phytochemicals Differ from traditional nutrients in that

Answer 21

not necessary for normal metabolism and absence doesn’t result in a deficiency disease – at least not on the timescale normally attributed to such phenomena.

Question 22

phtochemical effects on the body

Answer 22

Have many effects in the body. For example, they may promote the function of the immune system, act directly against bacteria or viruses, reduce inflammation, or be associated with the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease or any other malady affecting the health or well-being of an individual

Question 23

Phenolics

Answer 23

hydroxyl group bonded directly to an aromatic hydrocarbon group

Anthocyanidins
Catechins
Flavonones
Flavones
Lignans
Tannins (proanthocyanidins)

Question 24

Catechins

Answer 24

Tea

Question 25

Flavonones

vs. flavones

Answer 25

Citrus

fruit/vegetable