Phytochemicals

What are they?

How are they beneficial?
Can I just take a pill containing these
substances?
Are there any negative effects?
How do I know whether
phytochemicals are research-proven?

Current "Buzzwords" in Nutrition

Chemoprevention -- Using one or several chemical compounds to prevent,
stop, or reverse the development of cancer.
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.
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.
Phytochemical --Nonnutrient plant chemicals that contain protective,
disease-preventing compounds.

Most Commonly Studied Phytochemicals

Food

Phytochemical(s)

Allium vegetables
(garlic, onions, chives, leeks)

Allyl sulfides

Cruciferous vegetables
(broccoli, cauliflower,
cabbage, Brussels sprouts,
kale, turnips, bok choy,
kohlrabi)

Indoles/glucosinolates
Sulfaforaphane
Isothiocyanates/thiocyanates
Thiols

Solanaceous vegetables
(tomatoes, peppers)

Lycopene

Umbelliferous vegetables
(carrots, celery, cilantro,
parsley, parsnips)

Carotenoids
Phthalides
Polyacetylenes

Compositae plants (artichoke)

Silymarin

Food

Phytochemical(s)

Citrus fruits
(oranges, lemons, grapefruit)
Glucarates

Monoterpenes (limonene)
Carotenoids

Other fruits (grapes, berries,

cherries, apples, cantaloupe,
watermelon, pomegranate)

Ellagic acid
Phenols
Flavonoids (quercetin)

Beans, grains, seeds

(soybeans, oats, barley, brown
rice, whole wheat, flax seed)
Protease inhibitors

Flavonoids (isoflavones)
Phytic acid
Saponins

Herbs, spices (ginger, mint,

rosemary, thyme, oregano,
sage, basil, tumeric, caraway,
fennel)

Gingerols
Flavonoids
Monoterpenes (limonene)

Licorice root
Green tea
Polyphenols

Glycyrrhizin Catechins

How do phytochemicals work?

Antioxidant Hormonal action Stimulation of enzymes Interference with DNA replication Anti-bacterial effect -

Which phytochemicals have been researchproven?

Functional Food

Effective Nutrient

Possible Health
Benefit

FDA Approved
Health Claim

Fruits and vegetables

Vitamins,
Phytochemicals, fiber

Reduce cancer risk

Reduce heart disease
risk

Yes

Calcium-fortified
orange juice

Calcium

Reduce risk for

osteoporosis

Yes

Oatmeal

Soluble fiber

Reduce cholesterol

Yes

Milk, low-fat

Calcium

Reduce risk for

osteoporosis

Yes

Psyllium-containing
pasta, bread, snack
foods

Psyllium fiber

Reduce heart disease

risk

Yes

Soy

Soy protein

Reduce heart disease

risk

Yes

Broccoli

Sulforaphane

Reduce cancer risk

No

Tomato Products

Lycopene

Reduce risk for

prostate cancer and
heart attack

No

Tea

Catechins

Reduce risk for heart

disease and some
types of cancers

No

Garlic

Organosulfur
compounds

Reduce risk for

cancer, heart disease,
control high blood
pressure

No