| Examples of Functional Components | ||
| Class/Components |
Source* |
Potential Benefit |
| Cartenoids | ||
| Beta-carotene | carrots, pumpkin,sweet potato, cantaloupe |
neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses;can be made into vitamin A in the body |
| Lutein, Zeaxanthin |
kale, collards, spinach, corn, eggs, citrus |
may contribute to maintenance of healthy vision |
| Lycopene | tomatoes and processed tomato products, watermelon, red/pink grapefruit | may contribute to maintenance of prostate health |
| Flavonoids | ||
| Anthocyanins-Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin | berries, cherries, red grapes |
bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses; may contribute to maintenance of brain function |
| Flavanols-Catechins, Epicatechins, Epigallocatechin, Procyanidins |
tea, cocoa, chocolate, apples, grapes |
may contribute to maintenance of heart health |
| Flavanones-Hesperetin, Naringenin |
citrus foods |
neutralize free radicals, which may damage cells; bolster cellular antioxidant defenses |
| Flavonols-Quercetin, Kaempferol, Isorhamnetin, Myricetin |
onions, apples, tea, broccoli |
neutralize free radicals, which may damage cells; bolster cellular antioxidant defenses |
| Proanthocyanidins | cranberries, cocoa, apples, strawberries, grapes, wine, peanuts, cinnamon | may contribute to maintenance of urinary tract health and heart health |
| Isothiocyanates | ||
| Sulforaphane |
cauliflower, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, kale, horseradish |
may enhance detoxification of undesirable compounds; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium** | sardines, spinach, yogurt, low-fat dairy products, fortified foods and beverages |
may reduce the risk of osteoporosis |
| Magnesium |
spinach, pumpkin seeds, whole grain breads and cereals, halibut, brazil nuts | may contribute to maintenance of normal muscle and nerve function,
healthy immune function, and bone health |
| Potassium** | potatoes, low-fat dairy products, whole grain breads and cereals, citrus juices, beans, bananas | may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke, in combination with a low-sodium diet |
| Selenium | fish, red meat, grains, garlic, liver, eggs | neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; may contribute to healthy immune function |
| Phenolic Acids | ||
| Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid | apples, pears, citrus fruits, some vegetables, coffee | may bolster cellular antioxidant defenses; may contribute to maintenance of healthy vision and heart health |
| Plant Stanols/Sterols | ||
| Free Stanols/Sterols** | corn, soy, wheat, wood oils, fortified foods and beverages |
may reduce risk of CHD (Coronary Heart Disease) |
| Stanol/Sterol esters** | fortified table spreads, stanol ester dietary supplements | may reduce risk of CHD |
| * Examples are not an all-inclusive list. ** FDA approved health claim established for component. *** Preformed vitamin A is found in foods that come from animals. Provitamin A carotenoids are found in many darkly colored fruits and vegetables and are a major source of vitamin A for vegetarians. July 2006 |
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