Neutraceuticals

NEUTRACEUTICALS

The word neutraceuticals originates from the word `nutrition' and `pharmaceuticals' . It implies the usage of food as protective drugs or as food supplements.

Food stuffs contain disease preventing phytonutrients. These include terpenes, phytosterols, phenols and theols.

Terpenes :

Terpenes are found in green foods, soya products and grains. Carotenoids and limonoids are the subclass of terpenes. Carrot, tomato, parsley and spinach are rich sources of carotenoids. They are a precursor of vitamin A and also prevent eye diseases.

Limonoids is present mainly in citrus peels and it is an anti-oxidant. It helps in protecting the lung tissue.

Phytosterols :

Yellow vegetables, yam and the seeds of pumpkin are a rich source of phytosterols. They help in the excretion of cholesterol and prevent tumors in the prostrate gland and breast.

Phenols :

They play an important role in preventive medicine. They prevent the damage of tissues and inflammation. Berries, grapes and brinjals are good sources of phenols. Flavonids, anthocyanidines and isoflavones are important sub classes of phenols.

Flavonoids enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C, prevent allergies, tumors, platelet aggregation and reduce chance of oestrogen induced cancers.

Anthocyanidines help in the synthesis of protein collagen while isoflavones present in bean, legumes and soyabeans prevent tumors, breast and prostrate cancer.

Theol :

They are the sulphur containing class of phytonutrients. Garlic, onion, cabbage and turnip contain theols. Garlic and onion contain allyl sulphides which are anti-carcinogenic agents.

They protect against tumors and prevent cardio-vascular disorders. Cabbage and turnip are known to reduce tumors.