Phytonutrients Flashcards
What are phytonutrients?
Chemical compounds produced by plants which are beneficial to human health
True or false : you can find phytonutrients in tea and spices
True!
Phytonutrients are a by-product of which 2 processes?
Glycolysis or photosynthesis
What is the difference between primary and secondary metabolites?
Primary metabolite is inherent to the plant for its survival whereas secondary metabolite is an adaptive response to its environment.
What role do secondary metabolites have for plants?
- Protection against herbivores, plant pathogens, and against other plants
- Protection against physical stressors (e.g. ultraviolet light)
- Signals for communication and to attract pollinators
What role do secondary metabolites have in the human body?
- Antioxidants
- Cell cycle regulation
- Detoxification
- Reduction of DNA damage ( e.g. lycopene in tomatoes)
- Mimicking or interacting with hormones
What do we call the subgroup that chemically distinguishes plants due to the differences of environment they have grown in?
Chemotypes
Name 3 aspects that could cause a difference in phytonutrients from one plant to another
Chemotype of plant
Seasonal cycle
Soil and water conditions
Which class of phytochemicals are used by the pharmaceutical industry but are poisonous when taken at the wrong dose or eaten raw?
Alkaloid class (e.g. morphine from the opium poppy)
Phytates hinder the absorption of which mineral?
Zinc, iron, calcium
Name the 5 main groups at the head of the phytonutrients tree
Phenols & Polyphenols Terpenes Phytosterol Organosulphur compounds Alkaloids
What colours are associated to flavonoids?
Blue, purple and black
Name the 4 super powers of flavonoids, from their purple/blue/black colour
Antioxidants
Heart health
Circulation
Vision
In which foods can you find chlorophyll?
Kale, spinach, broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, avocado, watercress, cucumber…
