A presentation on Phytochemicals, their importance and sources

1. PHYTOCHEMICALS
By:
Meesha Singh

2.  Phyto- Greek word for plants
 Phytochemicals or Phytonutrients are the
biologically active, naturally occurring substances
in plants that have protective or disease
preventive properties.
 They act as natural defense mechanisms in their
host plants. They also provide pigment to the
plants.
 They are nonessential nutrients, meaning that
they are not required by the human body for
sustaining life.
 So far, scientists know of 3,000 different
phytochemicals with possible health benefits.

3. Various categories of
Phytochemicals

7. Tomatoes and Watermelons
 Phytochemical found: Lycopene
 Lycopene has been found to be 2 times as
powerful as beta carotene (Vitamin A) in the
destruction of free radicals.

8. Onions, Garlic, Scallions, Chives
 Phytochemicals Found: Allium compounds
 They help to keep healthy cells in the body
from being damaged by free radicals.

9. Grapes, Strawberries, Cranberries, Nuts,
Blackberries, Raspberries
 Phytochemicals found: Ellagic Acid
 Appears to make blood less likely to clot
therefore is beneficial in preventing heart
disease.

10. Citrus Fruits
 Phytochemical found:
monoterpenes
 May help to prevent cancer.

11. GREEN TEA
 Green Tea- contains high levels of flavonoids.
 Shuts off the formation of cancer cells
 Turns up the body’s defense system and
suppresses cancer advancement.
 Green Tea has also been indicated to lower
LDL cholesterol and increase HDL in large
quantities.

12.  Antioxidant activity: by carotenoids (fruits,
carrots), flavonoids (fruits, vegetables),
polyphenols (tea, grapes).
 Hormonal action: by isoflavones, found in
soy.
 Stimulation of enzymes: by indoles, which are
found in cabbages
 Anti-bacterial effect: by the phytochemical
allicin from garlic.

13.  Some phytochemicals have been found to
lower LDL cholesterol.
 Saponins found in beans interfere with the
replication of cell DNA

14. Antioxidants
• Antioxidants are the chemical substances that
prevent or repair damage to cells caused by
oxidizing effect of free radicals such as
reactive oxygen, pollutants, ozone etc.
• A study in 2006 by Thompson HJ showed that
a botanical diversity of fruits and vegetables
plays a role in the biological effect of
antioxidant phytochemicals.
• Free radicals- are byproducts of metabolism.
They are capable of causing cells to lose their
structure, function and eventually destroying
them.

15. THANK YOU 