What are the functions of phytochemicals in foods?
Research has shown that some phytochemicals may: help stop the formation of potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) help stop carcinogens from attacking cells. help cells stop and wipe out any cancer-like changes.
What are functional foods examples?
Examples of functional foods
- Fruits: berries, kiwi, pears, peaches, apples, oranges, bananas.
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, zucchini.
- Nuts: almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts.
- Seeds: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds.
Do functional foods contain phytochemicals and Zoochemicals?
Functional foods are generally understood to be a food or food ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients (macro and micronutrients) it contains. Functional foods generally contain phytochemicals or zoochemicals.
What is the meaning of functional foods?
Functional foods are foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. Proponents of functional foods say they promote optimal health and help reduce the risk of disease.
What benefits do phytochemicals provide?
Phytochemicals are compounds in plants….For the Health Benefits of Phytochemicals, “Eat a Rainbow”
- Aid the function of the immune system.
- Protect cells and DNA from damage that may lead to cancer.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Slow the growth rate of some cancer cells.
- Help regulate hormones.
What are the benefits of phytonutrients?
Among the benefits of phytonutrients are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytonutrients may also enhance immunity and intercellular communication, repair DNA damage from exposure to toxins, detoxify carcinogens and alter estrogen metabolism.
What are the 4 functional food categories?
There are currently four categories of claims that food manufacturers can use on labels to communicate health in- formation to consumers. These cate- gories include: nutrient content claims; structure/function claims; health claims; and qualified health claims.
Is egg a functional food?
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the nutritional content of eggs can be easily and repeatedly modified to enrich them in various nutrients, making the eggs one of the most natural functional foods.
What do Zoochemicals do?
Zoochemicals are the animal equivalent of phytochemicals in plants. They are compounds in animals that are believed to provide health benefits beyond the traditional nutrients that food contains.
What are examples of Zoochemicals?
Zoochemicals are natural chemicals found in animal-based foods. A couple of examples are omega-3 fatty acid, obtained from eating fatty fish, and conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, found in beef and dairy products.
What is functional food and beverage?
Functional food and beverages are first and foremost healthy foods, but it’s differentiated from your average fare by claims of specific health-promoting or disease-preventing properties. The basic category of functional foods includes processed food or foods fortified with additives, like “vitamin-enriched” products.
What is the best source of phytochemicals?
Foods high in phytochemicals include the following:
- Broccoli.
- Berries.
- Soynuts.
- Pears.
- Turnips.
- Celery.
- Carrots.
- Spinach.