Health Benefits of Plant Foods A to Z

Nutrient

Role in health

 

 

Antioxidant

A substance that prevents oxygen-damage to cells. Antioxidants

 

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.

 

 

Boron

An ultra-trace element, may be involved in hormone regulation

 

 

Calcium

For healthy bones and teeth, also essential for healthy functioning

 

of muscles and nervous system

 

 

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.

 

 

Coumarins

A potent antioxidant found in ginger, tumeric and cardamom

 

 

Diarylheptanoids

A powerful type of antioxidant found in ginger, tumeric and

 

cardamom

 

 

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.

 

 

Flavonoids

A large group of antioxidants, part of the phenolic group of

 

compounds. Evidence suggests flavonoids work as anti-cancer

 

agents, and against bacteria, viruses, inflammations and allergies.

 

They may also reduce clogging of arteries and help the actions of

 

vitamins C and E.

 

 

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.

 

 

Gingerols

A potent antioxidant found in ginger, tumeric and cardamom

 

 

Glucosinolates

Powerful anti-cancer agents that boost the effect of other

 

antioxidants.

 

 

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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Sunbeam JS7300 manual Health Benefits of Plant Foods a to Z, Nutrient Role in health