Diet is not all about loosing or gaining weight, its therapeutic benefits are often taken lightly by most of us. Planning of a therapeutic diet implies the ability to adopt the principal of normal nutrition to the various regimens for adequacy, correctness, economy and palatability. It requires recognition of the need for dietary supplements such as vitamin and mineral concentrates when the nature of the diet itself imposes severe restrictions, the patient's appetite is poor or absorption and utilization are impaired so that the diet cannot meet the needs of optimum nutrition. There are several therapeutic benefits of a well balanced diet such as: •Fuel to perform daily activities •Nutrients for the body's cells •Growth and repair of tissue •Reinforcing the immune system •Preventing chronic diseases of lifestyle •Maintaining good mental health •Ensuring healthy teeth and bones

1. Phytochemicals- Are they essential?

2. Phytochemicals Also called “ Phytonutrients” “ Plant bioactive compounds”

17. Effect of Cooking on Total Flavonoid Content of Spinach Concentration (mg/kg FW) Gil et al. (1999) J. Agric. Food Chem., 47, 2213-2217.

18. Specific functions of phytonutrients with their mechanism

20. Mechanisms of action Anticancer effects of phytochemicals Exposure to carcinogen Metabolic activation of carcinogen Initiation (interaction between the carcinogen and DNA) Promotion (multiplication and growth of abnormal cells) Tumour growth Sites of potential action of phytochemicals

21. Mechanisms of action Anticancer effects of phytochemicals Inhibition of metabolic activation of carcinogen Eg some sulphur compounds, glucosinolates and phenolics induce detoxification mechanisms Inhibition of initiation Eg some phenolics prevent oxidative damage to DNA or promote DNA repair mechanisms Inhibition of promotion Eg some phenolics, alkaloids and terpenpoids inhibit Cell transcription

22. Diseases of middle-age will increase!

25. polyphenolic extracts from cranberry inhibit the growth of breast, colon, prostate, lung, and other tumors, as do flavonols from the fruit. The unique combination of phytochemicals found in cranberry fruit may produce synergistic health benefits. These findings suggest a potential role for cranberry as a dietary chemopreventive. © 2007 The American Society for Nutrition J. Nutr. 137:186S-193S, January 2007

27. Mechanisms of action Anti-heart disease effects of phytochemicals? Damage to artery endothelium Oxidation of LDL uptake of LDL Monocyte adherence Platelet activation Coagulation HEART ATTACK ! Sites of potential action of phytochemicals

29. Pomerleau et al. (2003) Public Health Nutrition 6(5): 453-461 Riboli and Norat (2003) Am J Clin Nutr. 78:559S-569S Epidemiology suggests role for fruit and vegetables CVD

37. Different foods and their benefits

38. Food Phytochemi-cals Benefits Apples Flavonoids Protect against cancer, lower cholesterol Beans Flavonoids (saponins) Protect against cancer, lower cholesterol Berries Ellagic acid Prevent abnormal cellular changes that can lead to cancer

39. Broccoli Indoles, isothiocyanates Protect against cancer, heart disease and stroke Carrots Beta-carotene Antioxidant Citrus fruits Flavonoids (limonene) Antioxidant, inhibit tumor formation, decrease inflammation Flaxseed Isoflavones Protect against cancer, lower cholesterol

40. Sweet potatoes Beta-carotene Antioxidant Soy (soybeans) Isoflavones Protect against cancer and heart disease, strengthen bones Tea Flavonoids (quercitin) Protect against cancer and heart disease Tomatoes Flavonoids Protect against cancer, fight infection

41. Garlic Allium (allyl sulfides) Protect against certain cancers and heart disease, boost the immune system Grains Isoflavones Protect against cancer, lower cholesterol Red grapes (and wine) Flavonoids (quercitin) Protect against cancer and heart disease Onions Allium (allyl sulfides) Protect against certain cancers and heart disease, boost the immune system

50. Thank You