What are they?
Bioactive compounds are components of fruits, vegetables, teas, seasonings, among other foods that have positive effects and beneficial properties to the human body. These compounds are known to assist in the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
What are the most well-known bioactive compounds and their effects?
Some of the best known compounds are flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, curcumin, beta-carotene, lycopene, isoflavones and phenolic compounds. Its beneficial effects involve antioxidant potential, inhibition of abnormal proliferation, prevention of cancer and the advancement of malignant neoplasms, induction of apoptosis in abnormal cells, among other effects.
How to ensure a diet rich in bioactive compounds?
It is important to always maintain a diet rich in vegetables such as tomato, carrot, leafy vegetables, beetroot, cabbage etc, and also in fruits such as lemon, orange, strawberry, watermelon, grape, and others. Seasonings should be of natural origin in place of industrialized seasonings, and turmeric, basil, turmeric, oregano, and more can be used. Teas are also rich drinks in these compounds and can also aid in the daily intake of liquids.
When do you need to supplement?
Bioactive compounds are abundant in food, but may be deficiency in some people who do not have a broad consumption of vegetables. In this case, in addition to trying to include source foods in the individual’s diet, it can be considered the supplementation of some compound that is at low levels, in order to improve the functioning of the organism.
References
Reading suggestion:
Bioactive compounds for skin health
Article: PATIL, Bhimanagouda S. et al. Bioactive compounds: historical perspectives, opportunities, and challenges. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, v. 57, n. 18, p. 8142-8160, 2009.
