Download PytoChemicals- Vitamins of the Future?

Phytochemicals- Vitamins of
the Future?
Created by:
Tricia Fleming, University of Kansas Dietetic Intern
Tammy Beason, MS, RD, Nutrition Education
Specialist, Family Nutrition Education Program
December 2001
Let’s see what you know
about phytochemicals!!!
Take phytochemical quiz- we will take
the same one at the end and see if you
learned anything!
 Take a few minutes and jot down some
foods you think might contain
phytochemicals.

The American Diet
Americans do not eat enough fruits and
vegetables. Surprise- Surprise!
 Eat 5 a day campaign
 Do we need yet another reason to eat
fruits and vegetables?

What are Phytochemicals?
Phyto- greek word for plants
 Substances in plants that may help
prevent diseases like cancer and heart
disease.
 So far, scientists know of 3,000 different
phytochemicals with possible health
benefits.

Phytochemical Terminology
Definitions you may need to know:
 Free radicals- are byproducts of metabolism.
They are capable of causing cells to lose their
structure, function and eventually destroying
them.
 Connected with the development of 50
diseases including heart disease and cancer.
Phytochemical Terminology
What are antioxidants?
 Capable of stabilizing or deactivating
free radicals before they attack cells.
 Chemoprevention- using one or several
compounds to prevent, stop or reverse
the development of cancer.
Phytochemical Terminology
Designer Food- Processed foods that
are supplemented with food ingredients
naturally rich in disease-preventing
substances.
 Functional Food- any modified food or
food ingredient that may provide a
health benefit beyond the traditional
nutrients it contains.

Phytochemical Terminology
Nutraceutical - specific chemical
compounds in food, including vitamins
and additives, that may aid in
preventing disease.
 Pharmafood- Food or nutrient that
claims medical or health benefits,
including the prevention and treatment
of disease.

What is Cancer?
A disease of the body’s cells
 Carcinogenesis is a multistage process.
 Initiation-transformation of cell
 Promotion- cells multiply to form a
tumor
 Progression - Leads to a malignant
tumor.

What is Heart Disease?
Heart Disease is a general term for a list
of diseases affecting the heart.
 Can be caused by a variety of factors
but atherosclerosis and hypertension
play a major role.
 Is the number 1 killer in the United
States.

So what’s so exciting about
Phytochemicals?
Apparent ability to stop a cell’s
conversion from healthy to cancerous.
 Inhibit various hormone actions and
metabolic pathways that are associated
with the development of cancer and
heart disease.

So what’s so exciting about
Phytochemicals?
Some phytochemicals have been found
to lower LDL cholesterol.
 Others have been found to help prevent
blood clotting.
 Reduce how much cholesterol the body
produces and keep blood pressure
down.

So what’s so exciting about
Phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals are also being used in
cancer treatment in dosages.
 Researchers still don’t know a lot about
phytochemicals.
 They do know that people who eat large
quantities of fruits and veggies have
reduced cancer risks. They are doing
something right!!!!

Where can you find
phytochemicals?
Highest anticancer activity can be found
in garlic, soybeans, cabbage, ginger,
licorice root, and the umbelliferous
vegetables.
 Additional foods found to have cancer
protective activity: onions, flax, citrus,
tumeric , cruciferous veggies, tomatoes,
sweet peppers and brown rice.

The Phytochemical Family
There are thousands of phytochemicals.
But some of the basic classes of them
are found in these foods:
 Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbage, dark leafy greens.
 Phytochemicals found are: organosulfur
and glucosinolates they may help
prevent cancer.

The Phytochemical Family
Tomatoes and Watermelons
Phytochemical found: Lycopene
 Lycopene has been found to be 2 times
as powerful as beta carotene in the
destruction of free radicals.

The Phytochemical Family
Onions, Garlic, Scallions, Chives
Phytochemicals Found: Allium
compounds
 They help to keep healthy cells in the
body from being damaged by free
radicals.

The Phytochemical Family
Grapes, Strawberries, Cranberries, Nuts,
Blackberries, Raspberries
Phytochemicals found: Ellagic Acid
 Has been big in the news lately.
 Appears to make blood less likely to clot
therefore is beneficial in preventing
heart disease.

The Phytochemical Family
Citrus Fruits
Phytochemical found: monoterpenes
 May help to prevent cancer.

The Phytochemical Family
Soybeans
Phytochemicals found: Isoflavones and
saponins.
 Have a wide range of benefits including
lowering the risk for heart disease.

Phytochemicals in the News!
Soy has been nicknamed the Miracle
Bean
 Chinese have regular consumption of
soybeans and tofu.
 They have 1/2 the risk of cancer than
Americans.

Soy- It’s Whats for Dinner!
May also help prevent osteoporosis,
and reduce the symptoms of
menopause.
 Exact component that is responsible for
the positive effect is still unknown.

What are some Soy Foods?
Soy flours- simplest form. Can be used
in baked goods.
 Soy isolates - used to make dairy like
products. Usually used to add texture
to meat products.
 Tofu- rich in minerals and is an excellent
source of protein.

What are some Soy foods?
Soymilk- consumed by dairy sensitive
individuals and strict vegetarians.
 Textured soy protein- used as a meat
enhancer, extender and substitute.
 Tempeh- made of whole cooked
soybeans.
 Soy recipe: Tofu Pumpkin Cheesecake

Phytochemicals in the News
Green Tea has also made the headlines:
Green Tea- contains high levels of
flavonoids.
 Shut off the formation of cancer cells,
 Turn up the body’s defense system and
suppress cancer advancement.

Phytochemicals in the News
Green Tea has also been indicated to
lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL
in large quantities.
 More Research needs to be performed!
 Tea is not a substitute for the benefits of
fruits and vegetables.

Pigments are more than just a
color!
Dr. David Heber , UCLA Center for
Human Nutrition, Las Angeles, CA
 What Color is Your Diet?
 Many of the pigments found in fruits and
vegetables are phytochemicals.
 Dr. Heber and Susan Bowerman
originated a seven color system
organized as a color wheel.
The Color Wheel
Eat your colors!




Red - Lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene,
vitamin ETomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable juice,
tomato soup, watermelon.
Green- Glucosinolates, Isothiocyanates,
Indole-3 Carbinol, and Folic Acid
Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Bok Choy,
Cauliflower , Cabbage
The Color Wheel
Green/Yellow- Lutein, Zeaxanthin
 Spinach, Avocado, Kale , Green Beans,
Green Peppers, Kiwi, Collard Greens,
Mustard Greens
 Orange- Alpha and Beta Carotene
 Carrots Pumpkins, Squash, Mangos,
Apricots, Cantaloupe

The Color Wheel!
Orange/Yellow- Vitamin C Flavonoids
 Oranges, Orange Juice, Tangerines,
Peaches, lemons, Limes, Pineapple.
 Red-Purple Anthocyanins, Ellagic Acid,
Flavonoids,
 Grapes and grape juice, cherries, red
wine, strawberries, raisins

The Color Wheel!
White/ Green - Allyl Sulfides
 Garlic, Onion, and Chives

Phytochemical Supplements
There are some available, but
remember: They will only provide
selected components in a concentrated
form but not all of the compounds that
occur naturally in the foods.
Is there a negative side?
Studies on animals containing large
amounts of phytochemicals have had
negative results.
 Optimal levels of phytochemicals have
yet to be determined.

How can you get enough
Phytochemicals?
There are things that you can do!
 Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits.
 Eat more grains.
 Don’t forget herbs and spices,
 Decrease portion size of meats.

How can you increase your
phytochemical intake?
Keep fruits and vegetables stocked and
in sight.
 Reach for juice instead of coffee or
soda.
 Add chopped fruit to cereal, yogurt,
pancakes, muffins, or even a milkshake.
 Snack on fresh chopped carrots, celery,
broccoli, cauliflower and peppers.

How can you eat more
phytochemicals?
Add fresh greens, carrots, celery
parsley, tomatoes, and / or beans to
your soups.
 Store dried fruit (apricots, dates, raisins,
and more) for a quick snack at home or
work.
 Explore new foods and new recipes!

What’s next for
Phytochemicals?
Research is KEY!
 Research needs to answer these
questions:
 What types of phytochemicals provide
health benefits? - some research exists
but need more definite results.
 Establish the safety of use. - how much
is too much?

What’s next for phytochemicals?
Determine an effective dosage that
protects against disease?
 Important to remember: Nothing takes
the place of a healthy diet and physical
exercise. 
How many Phytochemicals
are in this meal?
Using color wheel hand-out:
 Tomato Soup and crackers
 Fruit salad ( pineapple, strawberries,
peaches, and cherries)
 Grilled cheese - made with low-fat
cheese
 Glass of Water
How many phytochemicals
are in this meal?
The answer is 9!




Tomato Soup- lycopene, phytoene,
phytofluene, and Vitamin E.
Pineapple and peaches - Vitamin C and
Flavonoids
Strawberries and cherries - anthocyanins ,
Ellagic Acid and Flavonoids.
Remember- This is only the main classes of
phytochemicals, there are many more than
this!
Conclusion
Phytochemicals are a complicated topic!
There is sure to be new developments
and news in this area!
 Any Questions????
