Health Benefits of Plant Foods A to Z
Nutrient | Role in health | 
  | 
  | 
Antioxidant  | A substance that prevents   | 
  | combat free radicals and are believed to slow the ageing process  | 
  | and help protect the body from cancer.  | 
Anthocyanidins  | See flavonoids  | 
Beta Carotene  | A form of carotenoid, beta carotene is transformed into vitamin A  | 
  | by the body.  | 
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Boron  | An   | 
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Calcium  | For healthy bones and teeth, also essential for healthy functioning  | 
  | of muscles and nervous system  | 
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Carotenoids  | A group of powerful antioxidants found in yellow and orange fruits  | 
  | and vegetables. Carotenoids may help reduce the risk of some  | 
  | cancers, may enhance the immune system and may assist in the  | 
  | prevention of cholesterol build up in the arteries.  | 
  | 
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Coumarins  | A potent antioxidant found in ginger, tumeric and cardamom  | 
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Diarylheptanoids  | A powerful type of antioxidant found in ginger, tumeric and  | 
  | cardamom  | 
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Dietary Fibre  | Components of the diet that are not absorbed in the small  | 
  | intestine. Includes insoluble (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin)  | 
  | and soluble (pectin, gums and mucilages) fibres. Consuming  | 
  | adequate fibre aids digestion, relieves constipation, lowers  | 
  | cholesterol, improves diabetes and helps prevent cancer.  | 
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Flavonoids  | A large group of antioxidants, part of the phenolic group of  | 
  | compounds. Evidence suggests flavonoids work as   | 
  | agents, and against bacteria, viruses, inflammations and allergies.  | 
  | They may also reduce clogging of arteries and help the actions of  | 
  | vitamins C and E.  | 
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Folate  | A B vitamin, folate is used to make DNA and red blood cells. It  | 
  | is especially important for women of child bearing age and in the  | 
  | early stages of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in infants.  | 
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Gingerols  | A potent antioxidant found in ginger, tumeric and cardamom  | 
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Glucosinolates  | Powerful   | 
  | antioxidants.  | 
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Indoles  | A type of sulphur compound involved in the suppression or  | 
  | blocking of DNA damage, and reduction of tumour size. See  | 
  | ‘Sulphur Compounds’  | 
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