Striving4Zen

• Anthocyanins: Responsible for the red, purple and blue pigments of many fruits and vegetables, more than 300 structurally distinct anthocyanins have been identified, according to information from the Linus Pauling Institute. Studies suggest anthocyanins have particular benefits to microcirculation, diabetes prevention and vision improvement. In particular, the anthocyanins found in blueberries, black currant and bilberry have shown efficacy in preventing oxidative damage in the eye and enhancing visual function.
• Catechins: Best known as the polyphenols found in tea, this class includes catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin 3-gallate and epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). They have been studied for a wide range of health benefits including cancer prevention, insulin resistance, cardiovascular health, and weight management.
• Ellagic acid: Found in many plant foods including raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, pomegranates and some nuts, ellagic acid is a non-flavonoid polyphenol. The American Cancer Society has noted ellagic acid acts as an antioxidant, and has some anti-cancer properties. Researchers suggest its effects may be due to antioxidant activity as well as induction of apoptosis.
• Flavanones/Flavones: Primarily found in citrus fruit, the major dietary flavanones are hesperetin, naringenin and eriodictyol, while the flavones include luteolin and apigenin. These compounds exert antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, the flavanones, and their aglycone derivatives, particularly address blood lipid levels and may help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• Flavonols: The major dietary aglycone flavonols include quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin and isorhamnetin, found in fruits and vegetables such as onions, apples, kale and broccoli.
• Isoflavones: Primarily found in soy, isoflavones are considered a phytoestrogen (plant-based compound similar to the body’s hormone), and have been studied for their anti-cancer ability, particularly in relation to breast cancer. They may also beneficially influence cardiovascular health. The major isoflavones include daidzein and genistein.

Labels: anthocyanins, catechins, ellagic acid, flavonoids, healthy diet, polyphenols, soy isoflavones

# posted by Striving4Zen : 9/08/2008