Phytochemicals health effects

Prior, R.L., Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins potential health effects. Phytochemicals Mechanisms of Action, 4th International Phytochemical Conference, Phytochemicals Mechanisms of Action , Pomona, CA (October 21-22, 2002), 2004. 

Phytochemicals have little nutritional value and do not get absorbed in the body, but they seem to turn on certain switches in the biochemical mechanisms, which signal the beneficial pathways to maintain health, and to turn off the switches which proceed to adverse biochemical pathways. Rice bran products have demonstrated significant benefits as nutritional therapies in diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cancer, fatty liver, hypercalcuria and heart disease. There is experimental and clinical evidence for the beneficial health effects of the following bioactives of rice bran ... 

The above scientific information on rice bran phytochemicals indicates that a multitude of mechanisms are operating at the cellular level to bring about specific health effects. Several health benefits of rice bran appear to be the result of the synergistic function of the many phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which operates through a specific immune response. Their role in the biochemical mechanisms at the cellular level which result in major health effects is shown in Fig. 17.1. A short overview summarizing the effect of the various phytochemicals on major health issues such as cancer, immune function, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, altered liver function and gastrointestinal and colon disease will be given below. 

Because of the great diversity of phytochemicals in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, only the major structural classes in the most common food plants, have been selected for discussion (see below and Figs. 15.2 and 15.3, for example, phytochemicals). These are also the phytochemicals for which there is generally the greatest information on food composition and health effects. 

Some of the bioactive phytochemicals found in fmits and vegetables are polyphenols, including flavonoids. This chapter provides a general overview of the relationship between flavonoids and health. The mechanisms of action believed to be behind the healthful effects of some compounds will also be mentioned. 

Recently, anthocyanins have received less attention compared to other flavonoids despite their far-reaching health effects. Because berries might have occupied such a large part of early diets, our ancestors probably ate more anthocyanins when compared to our food intake. In fact, according to some researchers, we might be deficient in anthocyanins. When people understand the antioxidant potential of the phytochemicals, perhaps we could improve the deficiencies by taking them. In due-course, our daily common foods may give even more enjoyment to us. 

Prior RL (2004) Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins potential health effects. In Meskin M, Bidlack WR, Davies AJ, Lewis DS, Randolph RK (eds) Phytochemicals mechanisms of action. CRC, Boca Raton, pp 1-19... 

The phytochemical complexity of kiwis has attracted scientific interest for the potential health effects involved, including laboratory studies to probe for activity against cancer, inflammation, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, microbial infections, and immune disorders. 

In addition to the above discussed nutrients, diverse amoimt of phenolic molecules has been identified from seaweed and is classified imder different groups of phytochemicals. Those molecules virtually do not play the roles of nutrients and proven to have different bioactive properties associated with enhancing physical fitness to refrain from diseases or to exert therapeutic effects against certain illnesses. However, the medicinal effects of such molecules are not discussed in this chapter. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular dieses have a strong relationship with dietary habits and nutritional profiles of the food. Therefore, next few sections of this chapter address the nutrition-related several health effects of seaweed fiber, other than previously mentioned, and its contribution to enhance digestive health. 

I Tree Nuts Composition, Phytochemicals, and Health Effects ... 

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