Various Functional Foods

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts discussed in the lecture on various functional foods, focusing on cocoa, garlic, mushrooms, and prunes.

Cocoa

The seeds of the cacao tree, rich in polyphenols and beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Garlic

A spice and herb belonging to the Allium family known for its health benefits, including antimicrobial properties.

Mushrooms

Fungi that can be edible or medicinal and are known for their nutrient content and health benefits.

Prunes

Dried plums that provide laxative effects and are rich in antioxidants and phenolic compounds.

Polyphenols

Natural compounds found in plants, including cocoa and garlic, believed to contribute to various health benefits.

Flavonoids

A type of polyphenol found in cocoa that offers antioxidant benefits.

Allicin

A sulfur-containing compound in garlic associated with health benefits like antimicrobial activity.

Eritadenine

A compound found in shiitake mushrooms that inhibits cholesterol absorption.

Antioxidants

Substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals.

Laxative

A substance that promotes the evacuation of the bowels; prunes are known for this characteristic.

Endothelium dependent vasodilation

The process where blood vessels widen, supported by cocoa flavanols, which contributes to cardiovascular health.

Nutrient profile

The summary of nutrients within a food, which can be modified by food processing methods.