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Hydroxycinnamic acid- Phenols and hydroxycinnamic acid inhibit the formation of
carcinogen metabolites. Chlorogenic acid prevents colon cancer, helps in the
maintenance of cardiac health and prevents various tumors. It also possesses
chemopreventive properties. Ferulic acid- inhibits carcinogen metabolites.
Stilbenoids: They are glycosylated forms of stilbenes. Resveratrol in grapes acts
as an antioxidant, anti-aging agent, reducing the oxidative damage in the DNA of
neuronal cells (Nazar et al. 2006). It has an anticancer factor against colon and
prostate cancers. It is beneficial in coronary heart disease by preventing vasodilation and platelet aggregation (Niles et al. 2003). It protects against age related
macular degeneration (King et al. 2005). It has a role in preventing Alzheimer’s
disease and viral/fungal infections.
Dietary Fibers Insoluble fiber may accord to the perpetuation of a healthy digestive tract (Dreher 2018). Soluble fibre may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
and some types of cancer. Cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin are some examples.
Proteins Proteins in the form of enzymes play a significant role in free radical
scavenging activities Polyphenol oxidases, peroxides, phenolase, phosphatase, proteases, pectin, Methyl esterase (PME), polygalacturonasen etc. are enzymes present
in the skin (Shahidi and Naczk 1995). Bromelain of the pineapple has significant
anti-inflammatory effects in acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis and speeding recovery from injuries. Bromelain also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic ulcers, angina pectoris and general surgery. Pineapple is an excellent cerebral
toner that combats loss of memory sadness and melancholy.
Prebiotics They are non-digestible carbohydrates that cannot be broken down by
the body. They are food sources for probiotic organisms.
Some vegetables and fruits can be classified as super foods, referring to foods
that provide utmost nutritional benefits for minimal calories. They are packed with
vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The term “superfood” was used as a marketing
tool for selling specific foods, dietary supplements, foods with selected food additives (Fitzgerald 2014). “Super food” products were sold at a greater price than
similar foods without the label.
As there is no official scientific definition of a super food by regulatory authorities in major consumer markets, such as the United States Food and Drug
Administration and Department of Agriculture or the European Food Safety
Authority (Brown 2010), but it is generally accepted that super foods contain high
levels of vitamins and minerals. They can be a source of antioxidants, substances
that protect from cell damage, preventing cancer. They also possess healthy fats that
prevent heart disease, fiber thought to ward off diabetes and digestive problems; and
phytochemicals, responsible for deep colors and odors which have many health
benefits. Super fruits are a subset of super foods (Srinivasan 2008). The designation
of a fruit as a super fruit is entirely up to the product manufacturer, as the term is
primarily used to create consumer demand (Starling 2008). Following are the list of
some super foods.
14 Fruits and Vegetables and its Nutritional Benefits
Hydroxycinnamic acid- Phenols and hydroxycinnamic acid inhibit the formation of
carcinogen metabolites. Chlorogenic acid prevents colon cancer, helps in the
maintenance of cardiac health and prevents various tumors. It also possesses
chemopreventive properties. Ferulic acid- inhibits carcinogen metabolites.
Stilbenoids: They are glycosylated forms of stilbenes. Resveratrol in grapes acts
as an antioxidant, anti-aging agent, reducing the oxidative damage in the DNA of
neuronal cells (Nazar et al. 2006). It has an anticancer factor against colon and
prostate cancers. It is beneficial in coronary heart disease by preventing vasodilation and platelet aggregation (Niles et al. 2003). It protects against age related
macular degeneration (King et al. 2005). It has a role in preventing Alzheimer’s
disease and viral/fungal infections.
Dietary Fibers Insoluble fiber may accord to the perpetuation of a healthy digestive tract (Dreher 2018). Soluble fibre may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
and some types of cancer. Cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin are some examples.
Proteins Proteins in the form of enzymes play a significant role in free radical
scavenging activities Polyphenol oxidases, peroxides, phenolase, phosphatase, proteases, pectin, Methyl esterase (PME), polygalacturonasen etc. are enzymes present
in the skin (Shahidi and Naczk 1995). Bromelain of the pineapple has significant
anti-inflammatory effects in acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis and speeding recovery from injuries. Bromelain also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic ulcers, angina pectoris and general surgery. Pineapple is an excellent cerebral
toner that combats loss of memory sadness and melancholy.
Prebiotics They are non-digestible carbohydrates that cannot be broken down by
the body. They are food sources for probiotic organisms.
Some vegetables and fruits can be classified as super foods, referring to foods
that provide utmost nutritional benefits for minimal calories. They are packed with
vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The term “superfood” was used as a marketing
tool for selling specific foods, dietary supplements, foods with selected food additives (Fitzgerald 2014). “Super food” products were sold at a greater price than
similar foods without the label.
As there is no official scientific definition of a super food by regulatory authorities in major consumer markets, such as the United States Food and Drug
Administration and Department of Agriculture or the European Food Safety
Authority (Brown 2010), but it is generally accepted that super foods contain high
levels of vitamins and minerals. They can be a source of antioxidants, substances
that protect from cell damage, preventing cancer. They also possess healthy fats that
prevent heart disease, fiber thought to ward off diabetes and digestive problems; and
phytochemicals, responsible for deep colors and odors which have many health
benefits. Super fruits are a subset of super foods (Srinivasan 2008). The designation
of a fruit as a super fruit is entirely up to the product manufacturer, as the term is
primarily used to create consumer demand (Starling 2008). Following are the list of
some super foods.
14 Fruits and Vegetables and its Nutritional Benefits