1. PhytochemicalsPhytochemicals

2.  Phyto = Plants  Phytochemical= Components in plants that may provide health benefits What Does Phytochemical Mean ?

3. Concept of Free Radicals - The Evil Side of Oxygen  Form of oxygen that can damage our bodies  If not neutralized into “good oxygen,” carry molecular hot potatoes :  advance aging  work against the immune system  play role in development of chronic and degenerative diseases

4. Free Radicals  Are very unstable  React quickly with other compounds, doing cell and body damage  Once produced, they multiply unless neutralized by antioxidants or other free-radical scavengers.

5. What Sets Off Chemical Reactions That Produce Free Radicals?  Radiation from sunlight  Ozone trapped in the atmosphere  Air pollution  Tobacco smoke  Carcinogens  Asbestos

6. What Sets Off Chemical Reactions That Produce Free Radicals?  Infections  Physical trauma  Stress  Toxic pesticides and herbicides  Alcohol

7.  Antioxidants prevent or treat  cancer  diabetes  heart disease  high blood pressure

8. Health Benefits  Prevention of disease shown in populations having a high consumption of fruits and vegetables

9. Major Groups of Phytochemicals  Indoles  Thioallyl Derivatives  Antioxidants (Beta carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E)  Phenolic compounds  Flavonoids

10. IndolesIndoles  Food sources - Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower  Health benefit - Cancer prevention and maintain healthy cells

11. Thioallyl Derivatives  Food sources:  Garlic  Leeks  Onions  Pungent smell  Destroyed by heat (Saute instead of slow cooking)

12. Health Benefits of Thioallyl Derivatives  Boost immune system  Increase enzyme to help get rid of carcinogens  Anti-tumor properties  Reduce serum cholesterol  Prevent blood clots  Boost immune system  Increase enzyme to help get rid of carcinogens  Anti-tumor properties  Reduce serum cholesterol  Prevent blood clots

13. AntioxidantsAntioxidants  Beta carotene  Vitamin C  Vitamin E  Beta carotene  Vitamin C  Vitamin E

14. Antioxidant - Beta Carotene  Food sources:  carrots  sweet potatoes  oranges  cantaloupe  tomatoes  dark green leafy vegetables  Food sources:  carrots  sweet potatoes  oranges  cantaloupe  tomatoes  dark green leafy vegetables

15. Health Benefits of the Antioxidant Beta Carotene  Cancer prevention  Regulator of immune responses  May lower heart disease and stroke risk

16. Antioxidant Vitamin C  Food sources:  Citrus fruit  Tomatoes  Peppers  Broccoli  Melons  Strawberries

17. Health Benefit of Antioxidant Vitamin C  Lower cardiovascular risk

18. Smokers and Antioxidant Vitamin C  Smokers have a higher requirement for Vitamin C to combat the increased oxidative stress

19. Antioxidant Vitamin E Antioxidant Vitamin E  Food sources:  Oil (60%)  Fruits and veggies, esp. dark green leafy (10%)  Grains  Nuts and Seeds

20. Health Benefit of Antioxidant Vitamin E  Lower heart disease risk

21. Caution for Smokers  Some studies showed that Vitamin E or beta carotene supplements may be harmful to smokers

22. Phenolic Compounds  Food sources:  most fruits and vegetables  tea (green and black)

23. Health Benefits  Anti-tumor  Anti-cancerous effect

24. FlavonoidsFlavonoids  Food sources:  soy  apples  onions

25. Health benefits of Flavonoids  Prevent cancer  Prevent bone loss  Antioxidant properties

26. Educating the Public on Phytochemicals  More research is needed before supplement recommendation  Information provided should be sound and scientifically based.  More research is needed before supplement recommendation  Information provided should be sound and scientifically based.

27. Educating the Public on Phytochemicals,cont.  Should emphasize the importance of getting nutrients from variety of foods, not stressing getting certain nutrients through pills  Follow Food Guide Pyramid recommendation

28. Prepared by : Diane Linder, EdD, LDN,RD, Specialist( EFNEP Coordinator) Sara Seals, PhD. Assoc. Specialist Sara Seals, PhD. Assoc. Specialist ( Nutrition and Health ) ( Nutrition and Health ) PhytochemicalsPhytochemicals