Articles
TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS: PHYTONUTRIENTS AND ANTICIPATED HEALTH BENEFITS
Article number
864_66
Pages
485 – 498
Language
English
Abstract
Tropical fruits are rich sources of phytonutrients, and these compounds hold promise for preventing disease and extending productive, active lifespans.
Phytonutrients can be classified as isoprenoids (e.g., carotenoids, limonoids), flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanins, flavanones) and other phenolic compounds, and amino acid-based (e.g., capsaicinoids) compounds.
Although phytochemicals are best known as antioxidants, protection may also be provided by phytonutrient-induced upregulation of detoxification enzymes, communication among adjacent cells, apoptosis, and control of angiogenesis.
The body of knowledge linking individual phytonutrients to human health is intriguing, but efficacy is uncertain and dietary recommendations for individual phytonutrients are premature.
There is, however, a strong scientific base of evidence for recommending increased consumption of phytonutrient-rich whole foods for health promotion and disease prevention.
Phytonutrients can be classified as isoprenoids (e.g., carotenoids, limonoids), flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanins, flavanones) and other phenolic compounds, and amino acid-based (e.g., capsaicinoids) compounds.
Although phytochemicals are best known as antioxidants, protection may also be provided by phytonutrient-induced upregulation of detoxification enzymes, communication among adjacent cells, apoptosis, and control of angiogenesis.
The body of knowledge linking individual phytonutrients to human health is intriguing, but efficacy is uncertain and dietary recommendations for individual phytonutrients are premature.
There is, however, a strong scientific base of evidence for recommending increased consumption of phytonutrient-rich whole foods for health promotion and disease prevention.
Authors
B.A. Clevidence
Keywords
human health, bioavailability, antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds
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