Health Benefits of Plant Foods A to Z continued
Iron | A mineral needed for the production of red blood cells and |
| muscles. Iron carries oxygen around the blood and is best |
| absorbed from animal sources. |
Lignin | A ‘woody’ type of insoluble fibre. See ‘Dietary Fibre’. |
Lycopene | A type of carotenoid that may help to prevent cancers of the |
| prostate, stomach and pancreas. |
|
|
Lutein | A type of carotenoid that has been shown to protect the |
| degeneration of eyesight. |
|
|
Luteolin | A type of flavonoid found mainly in citrus fruits. |
|
|
Magnesium | A mineral important for the healthy functioning of enzymes and |
| muscles. |
|
|
Menthol | Derived from the volatile oil of peppermint. |
|
|
Niacin | A B vitamin used to release energy from food and deliver it to cells |
| in the body. |
Oligosaccharides | A form of carbohydrate, unavailable for absorption in the small |
| intestine. Oligosaccharides are fermented by bacteria in the large |
| intestine and in large doses may cause wind. |
Papain | An enzyme that assists with protein digestion |
|
|
Pectin | A type of soluble fibre that helps reduce blood cholesterol levels |
| and regulate blood sugar levels. See ‘Dietary Fibre’. |
|
|
Phenolics | A large group of chemical compounds found in a wide range |
| of foods. Includes a range of antioxidants such as flavonoids, |
| catechins and anthocyanins. |
|
|
Phosphorous | A mineral essential for healthy bones and teeth and also plays a |
| role in the body’s energy, protein and genetic make up. |
|
|
Potassium | A mineral essential for healthy functioning of muscles and the |
| nervous system. Potassium may assist in the regulation of blood |
| pressure. |
Protein | A macronutrient essential for the growth, development and repair |
| of healthy cells. |
|
|
Resveratrol | A phenolic compound with a powerful |
| ‘Phenolics’. |
|
|
Riboflavin | A B vitamin, riboflavin is involved in energy production. It is also |
| needed for healthy skin, hair and nails. |
|
|
Sulphoraphane | A type of sulphur compound, similar to indole that is involved in |
| blocking or suppressing DNA damage and reducing the size of |
| tumours. See ‘Sulphur Compounds’. |
|
|
17