Dr. Lam Author of
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Source of Anti-oxidants
Fruits and Vegetables are the cheapest antioxidants available. They combat
the free radicals that form in the body so that the incidence of cells becoming
cancerous is lower. They are also high in fiber, which is important in
preventing constipation, diverticulosis and colon cancer.
Protein from plant sources alone can provide adequate amounts of essential
amino acids if a variety of plant foods are consumed and energy needs are met.
Complementary proteins can be eaten at different times throughout the day. The
general rule is a legume with grain. Below are some examples of plant protein
combinations that are used by different ethnic groups.
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Beans or lentils with rice
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Beans with flour or corn tortilla
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Pea soup with bread or crackers
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Garbanzos with corn bread
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Peanut butter with bread or crackers
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Beans and pasta
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Tofu and rice
The vegetarian diets provide plenty of the following nutrients: vitamin C,
vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids, other antioxidants, phytochemicals, dietary
fiber and trace minerals. But they could be deficient in the following nutrients
if a varied diet is not consumed: vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, possibly
protein, energy, and possibly zinc, and perhaps iron.
Phytochemicals
Foods of plant origin contain many bioactive compunds which are not normally
considered as nutrients but which have benefits to human health. They may be
grouped as follows:
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Organosulfur compounds, found commonly in Allium (onions, leeks
etc.) and Brassica (cruciferous) species, such as isothiocyanates and
indoles.
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Products of the isoprenoid pathway, found universally in
vascular plants, and including the carotenoids and terpenes
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Products of the phenylpropanoid pathway such as cinnamic and
coumeric acid, gingerols, xanthones and flavonoids.
This grouping is based on chemistry but recognizes some relationship to
metabolic functions. Many of these compounds are universal in plant foods, and
their digestibility, absorption, utilization and interaction with other
nutritional factors in humans is largely unknown. Specific mechanisms for an
observed metabolic effect may not be fully understood and much of the work is
confined to in vitro or animal experiments.
Here is a list of phytochemicals found in different plant foods:
| Phytochemicals |
Food Source |
| Allyl sulfides |
Onions, garlic, chives, leeks |
| Carotenoids |
Yellow-orange vegetables and fruits; green, leafy
vegetables; red fruits |
| Curcumins |
Turmeric, ginger |
| Dithiolthiones |
Cruciferous vegetables |
| Ellagic acid |
Grapes, strawberries, raspberries, nuts |
| Flavonoids |
Most fruits and vegetables |
| Indoles and isothiocyanates |
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, radish |
| Isoflavones |
Soybeans, tofu |
| Glucarates |
Citrus, grains, tomatoes, bell peppers |
| Lignans |
Soybeans, flax seed |
| Liminoids |
Citrus |
| Phthalides and polyacetylenes |
Caraway, celery, cumin, dill, fennel, parsley |
| Phenolic acids |
Berries, grapes, nuts, whole grains |
| Phytates |
Grains, Legumes |
| Saponins |
Beans, herbs |
| Terpenes |
Cherries, citrus, herbs |
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