PytoChemicals-VitaminsoftheFuture.ppt

Phytochemicals- Vitamins of the Future? Created by: Tricia Fleming, University of Kansas Dietetic Intern Tammy Beason, MS, RD, Nutrition Education Specialist, Family Nutrition Education Program December 2001 Let’s see what you know about phytochemicals!!! Take phytochemical quiz- we will take the same one at the end and see if you learned anything! Take a few minutes and jot down some foods you think might contain phytochemicals. The American Diet Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Surprise- Surprise! Eat 5 a day campaign Do we need yet another reason to eat fruits and vegetables? What are Phytochemicals? Phyto- greek word for plants Substances in plants that may help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease. So far, scientists know of 3,000 different phytochemicals with possible health benefits. Phytochemical Terminology Definitions you may need to know: Free radicals- are byproducts of metabolism. They are capable of causing cells to lose their structure, function and eventually destroying them. Connected with the development of 50 diseases including heart disease and cancer. Phytochemical Terminology What are antioxidants? Capable of stabilizing or deactivating free radicals before they attack cells. Chemoprevention- using one or several compounds to prevent, stop or reverse the development of cancer. Phytochemical Terminology Designer Food- Processed foods that are supplemented with food ingredients naturally rich in disease-preventing substances. Functional Food- any modified food or food ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains. Phytochemical Terminology Nutraceutical - specific chemical compounds in food, including vitamins and additives, that may aid in preventing disease. Pharmafood- Food or nutrient that claims medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. What is Cancer? A disease of the body’s cells Carcinogenesis is a multistage process