Phytochemicals: Guardians of Our Health.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Abstract

Consuming a diet rich in plant foods will provide a milieu of phytochemicals, nonnutritive substances in plants that possess health-protective benefits. Nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables contain an abundance of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, pigments, and other natural antioxidants that have been associated with protection from and/or treatment of chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension as well as other medical conditions. The foods and herbs with the highest anticancer activity include garlic, soybeans, cabbage, ginger, licorice, and the umbelliferous vegetables. Citrus, in addition to providing an ample supply of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and pectin, contains a host of active phytochemicals. The phytochemicals in grains reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Journal Title

Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Volume

97

Issue

10 Suppl 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-8223(97)00765-7

First Department

Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness

Link to Full Text

@ the James White Library

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