NTS 135 Lecture Notes - Winter Squash, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene
Document Summary
What phytochemical group is responsible for the color of berries: antioxidant phytochemicals. Carotenoids: beta-carotene: yellow-orange colors in sweet potatoes, winter squash, and carrots lycopene: found in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit lutein and zeaxanthin: found in leafy greens, squash, and yellow corn. Anthocyanins: red, blue, and purple pigments in berries. Polyphenols: largest group of phytochemicals flavonoids: blueberries, chocolate, citrus fruits, and raspberries: functions of phytochemicals. Variety of beneficial actions: antibacterial or antiviral properties influence blood pressure or blood clotting. Variety of mechanisms to reduce risk for: cardiovascular disease, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases type 2 diabetes, antioxidant activity of food. Antioxidant activities of foods analyzed using test of oxygen radical absorption capacity (orac: orac measures antioxidant capacity in test tube, not humans, concern that marketing of foods with high antioxidant capacity as. Plant foods are complex mixtures of energy-yielding macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals.