Secondary plant substances and their effect on maintaining health – by Alfred Berger…
Due to their preventive effect, secondary plant substances occupy a very special position.
The important plant components have an enormous influence on a large number of metabolic processes.
What are phytochemicals?
Under the term are special plant components summarized. They are for example in herbs, garlic, fruit as well as vegetables and give the food its colour, its smell and their taste.
There are over 100,000 secondary plant substances.
This
are grouped according to their structure and properties
assigned. The most important representatives are: carotenoids, polyphenols,
Phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, sulfides, monoterpenes, saponins,
protease inhibitors, phytosterols and lectins.
They have a special status because they are extremely have high health value. They have antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial or antifungal properties and support this cardiovascular system, the immune system or digestion.
Under the term are special plant components summarized. They are for example in herbs, garlic, fruit as well as vegetables and give the food its colour, its smell and their taste.
Thanks to the diverse health-promoting properties, the
phytochemicals are also increasingly becoming the focus of research.
In
numerous studies have examined the various modes of action
and positive effects on metabolism and health
proven.
The most important secondary plant substances at a glance
Glucoisolate
Glucoisolate protect plants from predators and are for the responsible for the pungent taste of mustard, radish or radishes. she bind free radicals, can lower the lipid content in the blood and stimulate the immune system. Thus, studies show that they are growth of pathogens can inhibit.
carotenoids
They are responsible for the red color of peppers or apples and the green color of spinach.
All in all
There are about 700 different substances that belong to the group of carotenoids
belong. Beta carotene, astaxanthin, lutein and lycopene are the ones
best-known representative. They have a strong antioxidant effect,
by eliminating free radicals. These aggressive
Oxygen compounds are absorbed from the environment or are
metabolism formed. If they occur excessively, cells can
be massively damaged.
Beta carotene is also the precursor of vitamin A.
polyphenols
They also represent an important group of secondary plant substances
and give the food its color and its typical characteristics
Taste.
Flavonoids and phenolic acids are among the most important representatives.
In addition to the carotenoids, many flavonoids are also coloring agents and For example, color fruit and vegetables in the colors yellow, red and violet. They are the most common secondary Plant substances and have an immense cell-protecting effect. About that In addition, they protect the cardiovascular system and have a positive effect effect on blood pressure. Apples, onions, soy etc. are fuller flavonoids.
Phenolic acids are mainly contained in fruits and vegetables, but also
Cinnamon, turmeric or whole grain products are full of phenolic acids.
They also act as antioxidants and can thus protect cells from free radicals.
Sulfide
The sulfides also provide the typical pungent taste of
garlic, onions and leeks. The sulfur compounds have
a positive influence on blood pressure and intestinal health. to
Allicin, the main active ingredient in garlic, belongs to the sulfides.
allicin
also keeps predators away from the plants and plays a big role
Role in the immune system by the phytochemicals
support the body's defenses.
Glucoisolate protect plants from predators and are for the responsible for the pungent taste of mustard, radish or radishes. she bind free radicals, can lower the lipid content in the blood and stimulate the immune system. Thus, studies show that they are growth of pathogens can inhibit.
Saponins are bitter substances that are considered diuretic and that Can support the immune system and intestinal health. Above all Legumes, soy and oats contain saponins.
Terpene
Terpenes form the basis of essential oils and have a
high health benefits. They have a digestive effect
expectorant, antibacterial and support the immune system.
Aniseed, nutmeg, pepper or celery are rich in terpenes.
Many of our Röhnfried products benefit from these selected secondary plant substances, which contribute significantly to maintaining health with their diverse positive effects.