Phytochemicals and Antioxidants -The Importance on Health

Abstract

Plants consist o f water and various chemicals. These chemicals are grouped into two classes. First group including nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals function in the metabolic process fo r growth, development and maintenance o f the plant. Second group o f the chemicals protect the plant from microbes, insects, radiation and other physical stresses. Some o f the chemicals in this group which are components o f dietary fiber are important fo r proper functioning o f digestive system and the other group o f the chemicals function as antioxidants, defense system o f human body against oxidative stress. Most important nonnutrient antioxidants are carotenoids, flavanoids, some o f the sulphur containing compounds and the flavoring substances found in herbs. The plant seeds namely cereals and legıımes together with leaves, flowers, fruits, tubers and roots o f various plants called fruits and vegetables are the essential foods for human. These foods are also rich sources o f antioxidants. Herbs, which are usually used as flavoring agents in food preparation, also contain many antioxidants. Refıning process applied to cereal grain causes losses o f dietary fiber and antioxidants. In diet preferring whole grain products instead o f refıning one, substituting some of the meat dishes with legumes, eating nuts rather than fatty cheese, and meat products, using olive and other vegetable oils instead of animal origin fats, preferring fruits rather than sugar containing desserts, consuming a lot of vegetables and herbs provide adequate amount of dietary fiber and antioxidants fo r reducing chronic disease risk and improving quality of life.