The Power Of Phytochemicals And How To Get Them

Video: The Power Of Phytochemicals And How To Get Them

Video: The Power Of Phytochemicals And How To Get Them
Video: What is a Phytochemical? - with Marc David 2024, November
The Power Of Phytochemicals And How To Get Them
The Power Of Phytochemicals And How To Get Them
Anonim

It is believed that the phytochemicals contained in most foods of plant origin are extremely useful in preventing many diseases. Thousands of phytochemicals are known to exist. Here are some of them with proven most valuable benefits for the human body:

Bioflavonoids - About 6,000 of them are known. They are found mainly in fruits and sweet-tasting vegetables. Different bioflavonoids have different benefits - some are antioxidants, others act as "agents" to protect against various diseases. One subgroup of these phytochemicals, called flavonoids, includes the antioxidant quercetin, which is thought to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and prevent cataracts. Quercetin is found in tea, red wine, grapes and green beans.

Allicin - a phytochemical found in garlic, leeks, onions, wild garlic. Lowers high blood cholesterol levels and stimulates the immune system.

Carotenoids - the most famous among them are beta cartoin and lycopene. They are powerful antioxidants that are thought to protect against some types of cancer. Excellent sources of carotenoids are brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, tomatoes, blackcurrants, carrots, pumpkin and dark green leafy vegetables.

Glucosinolates - found mainly in cruciferous vegetables and especially in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. They have a strong anti-cancer effect. One of the most active anticancer agents produced by glucosinolates is sulforaphane.

Coumarins - protect against cancer. Oranges are a rich source of idols.

Phytoestrogens- They have a chemical composition similar to the female sex hormone estrogen and are thought to protect against certain cancers that are hormone-dependent, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. A variety of these phytochemicals, called isoflavones, can relieve menopausal symptoms. Soy and chickpeas are extremely rich in isoflavones.

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