Phytonutrients Flashcards
Primary metabolites
Are compounds necessary for plant survival such as carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, enzymes and chlorophyll.
Secondary metabolites:
- Are synthesised by the plant in reaction to its environment an adaptive response.
- Evolve to facilitate the survival of the plant.
- Deter predators and protect from infection.
Roles of secondary
metabolites in plants
- Protection against herbivores, plant pathogens and against other plants.
- Protection against physical stressors such as ultraviolet light.
- Signals for communication and to attract pollinators
Roles of secondary metabolites in the human body
- Function as antioxidants (e.g. quercetin, abundant in red onions)
- Regulate the cell cycle.
- Increase detoxification of carcinogenic and other toxic compounds.
- Reduce DNA damage (e.g. lycopene in tomatoes)
- Mimic or interact with hormones and other body chemistry (e.g. lignans in flaxseeds can support oestrogen levels when low).
Phytonutrient Types
Phenols and polyphenols
Terpenes
Phytosterols
Organosulphur compounds
Alkaloids
Phenol and polyphenol Types
Flavonoids
Phenolic Acids
Lignans
Stilbenes
Quinones
Tannins
Flavonoids
Quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, hesperidin, naringenin, catechins, anthocyanins, isoflavones.
Phenolic acids
Gallic acid (e.g. grapes ),
Caffeic acid (e.g. thyme, sage, sunflower seeds )
Salicylic acid (e.g. in white willow bark)
Lignans
Secoisolariciresinol (e.g. flaxseeds
Stilbenes
Resveratrol (e.g. grapes)
Flavonoids Types
Flavanols or catechins
Flavones
Isoflavones
Flavanones
Anthocyanins
Flavonols
Flavonols
kaempferol in kale, spinach
quercetin in red onions and apples
Flavones
apigenin - parsley, celery, chamomile
Isoflavones
genistein and daidzein - soybeans
Flavanones
Naringin - grapefruit
Anthocyanins
cyanidin - red grapes, blackberry, blueberry
Flavanols or catechins
epicatechin - green tea, cocoa
Flavonoids
Blue, purple, black
Blueberries, blackberries, red cabbage, aubergines, black olives.
Chlrophyll
Green
Kale, spinach, collard, broccoli, brussels sprouts, parsley, lettuce, avocado, watercress, cucumber.
Lycopene
Red, pink
Tomatoes, guava, watermelon.
Carotenoids
Yellow, orange
Carrot, squash, sweet potatoes, orange, papaya, corn, melon, peppers, pumpkin, turmeric.
Sulphur Compounds
White, brown
Garlic, onions, leeks, ginger, white cabbage, mushrooms, parsnips.
Benefits of phytonutrients: Blue, purple, black
Antioxidant to fight free radicals , support heart health, circulation and vision.
Benefits of phytonutrients: Green
High in chlorophyll , provides nutrients, supports liver detoxification, binds with toxins in the gut preventing absorption into the body.
Benefits of phytonutrients: Red
Reduces inflammation, high in vitamin C and supports the prostate.
Benefits of phytonutrients: Orange, Yellow
Improves immune system, vision and joint health.
Benefits of phytonutrients: White, brown
Supports heart, circulation and liver detox
Catechins and epicatechins: Food Sources
- Tea green tea, oolong tea and black tea.
- Cocoa.
- Black grapes, berries,
apples, pears, plums. - Vinegar.
Catechins and epicatechins:Functions
Anti-inflammatory
Neurological health
Cardiovascular health
Joint health
Quercetin
Quercetin is the most abundant of the flavonoids. It is also a building block for other flavonoids (e.g. kaempferol):
* Quercetin has a fast excretion rate so needs to be consumed regularly for therapeutic use.
* Therapeutic dosage range: 150‒1500 mg / day.