NFS284H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Beta-Glucan, Collard Greens, Alpha-Carotene
15 Feb 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition are called functional foods. Examples: whole grain products: has fibre, lignans, phytoestrogens. Reduces risk of cancer and heart disease: oatmeal: has beta glucan and soluble fibre. Zoochemicals are substances in animal foods that aren"t nutrients but have health promoting benefits. Phytochemicals are substances in plant foods that aren"t nutrients but have health promoting benefits. Carotenoids: a phytochemical, yellow-orange-red fruits and vegetables get their colour from carotenoids. In leafy greens, the colour is masked by chlorophyll. High intake = reduced macular degeneration: zeaxanthin: an antioxidant that accumulates in the eye. Phytoestrogens and other plant hormones: phytoestrogens are plant hormones that are believed to interrupt cancer development and interfere w human hormone estrogen. The saturated fat may contribute to cardiovascular disease: this is why dark chocolate is an example of functional food. To benefit the most from phytochemicals, we must choose a diet based on plant foods.
