Phytochemicals+and+Antioxidants

For this Chapter 7 discussion area, you are to research and locate different types of antioxidants and phytochemicals. What foods are supposedly the "healthiest" because of the phytochemicals and antioxidants that they contain? How do they work? What is the phytochemical that is found in ketchup (it's shown on several ketchup labels now). Remember to cite your sources!

Different types of antioxidants and phytochemicals: - Antioxidants include nutrients, such as Vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene, AND enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (2). - Different types of phytocmicals include antioxidantal (allyl sulfides, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols), hormonal (isoflavones), anti-bacterial (allicin), anti-adhesion (proanthocynidins), enzyme stimulators (indoles, protease inhibitors, terpenes), and DNA replication interferers (saponins, capsaicin) (1).

Here are a few of the “healthiest foods” because they contain phytochemicals and antioxidants: Whole grains, vegetables, beans, fruits and herbs Tomatoes = lycopene Soy = isoflavones Fruits = flavanoids, carotenoids Cabbage = indoles Beans = soponins, protease inhibitors Onions, garlic, leaks = allyl sulfides Tea, grapes = polyphenols Hot peppers = capsaicin Cranberries = proanthocyanidins (1) Vegetable oils, nuts, leaf green veggies, seeds, olives, avacados, liver = Vitamin E Citrus fruits, leafy green veggies, strawberries, cantalope, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes = Vitamin C Cantalope, mangos, papayas, peppers, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes = beta-carotene Seafood, beef, pork, chicken, brown rice, whole wheat bread = selenium (2)

How do they work: - Antioxidants stop oxidation by neutralizing free radicals which can cause damage to cells, DNA, and proteins. They work to stabilize free radicals so the free radicals will not scavenge and steal electrons from important parts of the body, such as cell, proteins, and DNA. When free radicals steal an electron to stabilize themselves, they create more free radicals. Antioxidants help to stop this process (2). - Different phytochemicals do different things. Some work as antioxidants to protect our cells from oxidation damage and can lower the risk of some cancers. They can help act as hormones to reduce osteoporosis and the symptoms of menopause. Some can stimulate good enzymes and interfere with bad enzymes in the body. They can also prevent cancer by interfering with the replication of DNA. Phytochemicals can work as an antibacterial in the body and can bind to cell walls to protect against pathogens (1). The phytochemical in Ketchup is lycopene which is found in tomatoes (1).

(1) [] (2) []


 * Marissa (Witzig) Hill**

There are more than a thousand known phytochemicals. Plants produce these chemicals to protect themselves, but it has also been proven that they can also protect humans against diseases. How some phytochemicals work:
 * Antioxidants - reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancers
 * Allicin - this is from garlic and has anti-bacterial properties.
 * Isoflavones - these imitate human estrogen's and help to reduce menopausal symptoms

Most foods that we eat contain phytochemicals. The easiest way to get these into your system is to eat more fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals are naturally present in many foods but it is expected that through bioengineering new plants will be developed, which will contain higher levels. This would make it easier to incorporate enough phytochemicals with our food. Sources: []


 * Brandon Taylor**