What Are Phytochemicals And how do the help athletes?
What are phytochemicals? The term Phytochemical is a broad name for a wide variety of compounds produced by plants. Commonly known as antioxidants. These plant chemicals have protective and disease preventive properties.
More about Phytochemicals Non-nutritive, They are non- essential nutrients, meaning that they are not required by the human body for sustaining life. Protect humans against diseases. Phytochemicals have antioxidant activity and protect our cells against oxidative damage
Types of Phytochemicals Inflamatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, detoxing. (cruciferous veggies) Isothycynate: inhibit cancer cell growth. (dark greens) Quercetin: endurance. (apples, onions, berries)
Carotenoids Example: beta-carotene Plant Source: Red, orange and green fruits and vegetables broccoli, carrots, cooked tomatoes, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, oranges watermelon Benefits: May inhibit cancer cell growth, work as antioxidants and improve immune response
Flavonoids Example: anthocyanins and quercetin Plant Source: Apples, citrus fruits, onions, soybeans and soy products, coffee and tea Benefits: May inhibit inflammation and tumor growth; may help immunity and boost production of detoxifying enzymes in the body
Phytochemical foods Fruits Blueberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit, lemons limes, mangos and Tomatoes. Grapes Whole grains Corn, wheat, oats Vegetables carrots, sweet potatoes and winter squash, onions
Different foods There are 5 main color you should eat to get the necessary amount of phytochemicals All of these foods are great for an athletes recover time Aim to consumer two of each color every day!
The Benefits for Athletes Helps the athlete recover faster in muscle, tissue and joint rebuild. Helps athlete in vitamin control. Fights the inflammation in muscles. Energy is restored in the body after activity. Prevents heart disease Vegetarian Athletes get vitamins and minerals from eating foods who are rich in phytochemicals to restored their energy. Less time for sore muscles!!!
Phytochemicals & the Prevention of Cancer Evidence shows that certain phytochemicals may help prevent the formation of potential carcinogens. It also blocks the action of carcinogens on their targets to organ and tissues. They act on cells to suppress cancer development. Experts highly recommend the consumption of fruits, vegetables and other plant based foods that contain phytochemicals to reduce their risk of cancer
To Sum Everything Up Phytochemicals have disease preventing properties There are different types of Phytochemicals Isothycynate, Quercetin We went over the antioxidant properties of Phytochemicals including Carotenoid and Flavonoid. We also went over the types of foods that have phytochemicals The benefits for athletes are amazing, providing quick recovery after intense exercise. Phytochemicals have also been proven to reduce the risk of cancer
The End Group Presentation by: Stephanie, Tommy, Jenna, Corey, April, John T, Connor