Health Protective Benefits of Plant-Based Functional Foods (Part 2)

by:

 Nutritionist JB Lim MD PhD FRSPH FRSM 

 

Health Protective Benefits of Functional Foods (Part 2)

Earlier I wrote an article on the health protective benefits of foods here.

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/09/heath-protective-benefits-of-functional.html

I dedicated it to Professor Dr. Vythilingam S/O Palaniandy Pillai who is a staunch vegan, and a former president of the Malaysian Vegan Society

Before I continue my essay here as Part 2,  please be informed that the health and medicinal effects of foods can only be derived from plant-based diet as practiced by vegans and strict vegetarians, not by solely meat eaters. We can fortify meat with additional health-protective ingredients such as probiotics—live beneficial bacteria—or prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of these bacteria. While probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, they are also added to other products to support gut health, which is linked to improved digestion, immunity, and even mental health.

Likewise, health-promoting benefits of omega-3 fatty acids may also be added as I wrote in Part 1 of this essay. While typically associated with fatty fish, omega-3 fatty acids are also added to some plant-based functional foods, such as fortified flaxseed or chia seed products. These essential fats have been linked to reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and better brain function.

Still, the fortification of these ingredients, no matter how much we add them into meat products, they can never supersede the tens of thousands of medicinal phytochemicals found naturally only in plant-based foods.   

Having assured that I shall now continue with some examples for Part 2 of this write up.  

Plant foods are very rich in phytochemicals. However, there are considerable differences in phytochemical contents among vegetables. For instance, onion varieties in phytochemical content vary, particularly for polyphenols, with shallots having the highest level, six times the amount found in Vidalia onions. Yellow onions have the highest total flavonoid content, an amount 11 times higher than in white onions. Red onions have considerable content of anthocyanin pigments, with at least 25 different compounds identified representing 10% of total flavonoid content.

Broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, mushrooms, radishes, spinach, and zucchini all contain high amounts of salicylates. Vegetables from the nightshade family, like brinjal or eggplant and peppers, also contain salicylates. So are tomatoes being very high in salicylates. So are curry powders and chillies rich in salicylates

All foods rich in salicylates (aspirin) can be used as a natural emergency drug for sudden cardiovascular events such as AMI (acute myocardial infarction) or acute heart attack.  

Star Gooseberry or cekur manis in Malay, scientifically known as Sauropus androgynus contains papaverine, a drug used in the West to treat both high blood pressure and impotence in men.

Another example is garlic. Garlic, which is utilized as a spice and flavouring ingredient, is found to have fundamental nutritional components. Carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins are all found in abundance in this plant. The plant also has a high medicinal value and is used to cure a variety of human diseases. It has anti-inflammatory, rheumatological, ulcer inhibiting, anticholinergic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antistress, antidiabetic, anticancer, liver protection, anthelmintics, antioxidants, antifungal, and wound healing properties, as well as properties that help with asthma, arthritis, chronic fever, tuberculosis, runny nose, malaria, leprosy, skin discoloration, and itching, indigestion, colic, enlarged spleen, haemorrhoids, fistula, bone fracture, gout, urinary tract disease, diabetes, kidney stones, anaemia, jaundice, epilepsy, cataract, and night blindness.

Ajoene in garlic has recently been found to have a new anti-leukaemia agent for AML therapy as shown by H T Hassan

The reputation of garlic (Allium sativum) as an effective remedy for tumours extends back to the Egyptian Codex Ebers of 1550 BC.  Several garlic compounds including allicin and its corresponding sulphide inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of several human non-leukaemia malignant cells including breast, bladder, colorectal, hepatic, prostate cancer, lymphoma and skin tumour cell lines. Ajoene (4,5,9-trithiadodeca-1,6,11-triene-9-oxide) is a garlic-derived compound produced most efficiently from pure allicin and has the advantage of a greater chemical stability than allicin. Several clinical trials and in vitro studies of ajoene have demonstrated its best-known anti-thrombosis, anti-microbial and cholesterol lowering activities. Recently, topic application of ajoene has produced significant clinical response in patients with skin basal cell carcinoma. Ajoene was shown to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of several human leukaemia CD34-negative cells including HL-60, U937, HEL and OCIM-1. Also, ajoene induces 30% apoptosis in myeloblasts from chronic myeloid leukaemia patients in a blast crisis. 

More significantly, ajoene profoundly enhanced the apoptotic effect of the two chemotherapeutic drugs: cytarabine and fludarabine in human CD34-positive resistant myeloid leukaemia cells through enhancing their bcl-2 inhibitory and caspase-3 activation activities. The two key anti-leukaemia biological actions of ajoene were the inhibition of proliferation and the induction of apoptosis. Studies have shown the anti-proliferation activity of ajoene to be associated with a block in the G2/M phase of cell cycle in human myeloid leukaemia cells. The apoptosis inducing activity of ajoene is via the mitochondria-dependent caspase cascade through a significant reduction of the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 that results in release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase-3. 

Since acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous malignant disease in which disease progression at the level of CD34-positive cells has a major impact on resistance to chemotherapy and relapse and the inability to undergo apoptosis is a crucial mechanism of multi-drug resistance in AML patients. The recent findings of the potent enhancing activity of ajoene on chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in CD34-positive resistant human myeloid leukaemia cells suggest a novel promising role for the treatment of refractory and/or relapsed AML patients as well as elderly AML patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate similar enhancing effects for ajoene in blast cells from AML patients in primary cultures before its introduction in pilot clinical study.

So is Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) although not used as a food. This plant containing alkaloids have been used in the treatment of leukaemia, Hodgkin disease, malignant lymphomas, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, Kaposi sarcoma, mycosis fungoides, to improve cerebral blood flow, and treat high blood pressure. Madagascar periwinkle produces over 120 such alkaloids, including vincristine and vinblastine.

The Madagascar periwinkle has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for diabetes, and this led to studies investigating its use as a medicine. These studies showed little effectiveness in treating diabetes, but great potential in stopping the division of rapidly dividing cells, leading to its use in anti-cancer therapies, particularly for treating childhood leukaemia

 Allow me as a former research nutritionist and clinician to quote just one more example how celery among hundreds of thousands of other plant-based foods can be used as a medicine

3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP) is a compound found in celery, and its potential therapeutic value in various disorders has been suggested. Celery, and its potential therapeutic value in various disorders has been suggested as one of them.

dl-3-n-butylphthalide (dl-NBP) is also a powerful antioxidant compound with profound neuroprotective effects in stroke and brain injury. However, its role in Parkinson's disease (PD) is not well known. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the key factors in precipitating PD like symptoms in civilians and particularly in military personnel, car accident victims and others suffering from traumatic head injuries.  Thus, it would be interesting to explore the possible neuroprotective effects of NBP in PD following concussive head injury (CHI). 

Oxidative stress may also play an important role in diabetic related diseases. 3-N-butylphthalide and its derivatives serve as a potential treatment option for diabetic related diseases.

3-N-Butylphthalide and its derivatives may regulate multiple cellular signalling pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis and autophagy.

The benefits of NBP in dementia are among the most studied. Vascular dementia presents symptoms of cognitive impairment that often originated from cerebrovascular pathological conditions. Vascular lesions and cellular damages incurred from β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, oxidative stress, and apoptosis define the underlying pathology of vascular dementia. Over the years, studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of NBP in celery via its actions in interfering with Aβ metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting apoptotic enzyme activity and consequent cell death. Moreover, the angiogenic effect of NBP adds to its value in vascular dementia management. Recent investigations have also looked into improving the bioavailability of NBP.

Food and nutrition scientists together with nutritionists have been exploring the mechanisms of NBP in celery,  how it exerts its neuroprotective effects and on how we may apply this vegetable's great potential as a natural food medicine to treat strokes and brain injuries.  

Let me give you just a few more examples of additional phytochemicals found in foods.

One is turmeric (Curcuma longa). The active compound is curcumin. The medicinal property of curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. It has been studied for its potential in treating conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Reference: Aggarwal, B. B., & Sung, B. (2009). Pharmacological basis for the role of curcumin in chronic diseases: an age-old spice with modern targets. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 30(2), 85-94.

Second is green tea (Camellia sinensis). The active compound here is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The medicinal properties of EGCG is its potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. It has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved brain function.

The reference here is:

Khan, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2007). Tea polyphenols for health promotion. Life Sciences, 81(7), 519-533.

Cabrera, C., Artacho, R., & Giménez, R. (2006). Beneficial effects of green tea—a review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(2), 79-99.

Third is soybeans (Glycine max). The active compounds in soyabean are their isoflavones (Genistein, Daidzein). The medicinal properties of isoflavones are its oestrogen-like effects and are studied for their role in reducing the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and osteoporosis. They are also beneficial in alleviating menopausal symptoms. May reduce menopausal symptoms, improve bone health, and have anti-cancer effects.

 The reference here is:

Messina, M., & Messina, V. (2010). The role of soy in vegetarian diets. Nutrients, 2(8), 855-888.

Messina, M. (2016). Soy and health update: evaluation of the clinical and epidemiologic literature. Nutrients, 8(12), 754.

Fourth is ginger (Zingiber officinale). The active compound in ginger is gingerol and shogaols.  Ginger medicinal properties of gingerol are its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. It is commonly used to alleviate nausea, digestive issues, and reduce muscle pain.

White, B. (2007). Ginger: An overview. American Family Physician, 75(11), 1689-1691. The reference here is:

 Ali, B. H., Blunden, G., Tanira, M. O., & Nemmar, A. (2008). Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale): A review of recent research. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 409-420.

White, B. (2007). Ginger: An overview. American Family Physician, 75(11), 1689-1691.

Fifth are grapes (Vitis vinifera) and red wine. The active compound is resveratrol. The health benefits of grapes and red wine containing resveratrol, and its antioxidant component is, it supports heart health, diabetes and may protect against certain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, especially found in the skins of grapes that has been shown to be neuroprotective.

The reference for grapes is here:

 Baur, J. A., & Sinclair, D. A. (2006). Therapeutic potential of resveratrol: the in vivo evidence. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 5(6), 493-506.

Sixth, are the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage). In these vegetables the active compounds are glucosinolates (e.g., sulforaphane).

The health benefits of these cruciferous vegetables is their detoxification enzymes induction, potential anti-cancer properties. The reference here for this is:

 Herr, I., & Büchler, M. W. (2010). Dietary constituents of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables: implications for prevention and therapy of cancer. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 36(5), 377-383.

Seventh, are the berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries). These berries' active compounds are the anthocyanins, and the flavonoids. Their antioxidant properties may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of heart disease. Here is the reference:

 Joseph, J. A., et al. (2009). Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behaviour: beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolic compounds. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81(1), 313S-316S.

Eighth are the citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), These fruits active compounds are hesperidin, naringenin, etc.

Citrus fruits' health benefits lie in their antioxidants. It supports vascular health, may lower cholesterol levels. The reference for this is here:

Peterson, J. J., et al. (2006). Flavanones in grapefruit, lemons, and limes: A compilation and review of the data from the analytical literature. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 19, S74-S80.

Nineth are the flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum). The bioactive compounds are the lignans (Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), and omega-3 fatty acids. These support cardiovascular health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. The reference for this is here:

Prasad, K. (2009). Flaxseed and cardiovascular health. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 54(5), 369-377.

Tenth is pomegranate (Punica granatum). The medicinal active compounds are punicalagins, and ellagic acid. Their health benefits lie on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties that may improve heart health and combat certain cancers. The reference for this is here:

 Jurenka, J. (2008). Therapeutic applications of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): a review. Alternative Medicine Review, 13(2), 128-144.

Elevenths are the green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale). Here the active compounds are lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds support eye health and may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Here is the reference:

Ma, L., & Lin, X. M. (2010). Effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on aspects of eye health. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 90(1), 2-12.

Twelfths are the nuts (walnuts, almonds, peanuts). The active compounds in nuts are the phytosterols and polyphenols. Their health benefits are, they support heart health, may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Here’s the reference:

Ros, E. (2010). Health benefits of nut consumption. Nutrients, 2(7), 652-682.

Thirteenth is dark chocolate (cocoa). Dark chocolates' active compounds lie on their flavanols (epicatechin) contents. Their antioxidant content may improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhance cognitive function. Here’s the reference:

Corti, R., et al. (2009). Cocoa and cardiovascular health. Circulation, 119(10), 1433-1441.

Fourteenths are the legumes (beans and lentils). Their active compounds are the saponins, and phytic acid. These bioactive compounds may lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, the presence of phytic acid may be a stumbling block in that they may inhibit the absorption of iron. The reference is here:  

Flight, I., & Clifton, P. (2006). Cereal grains and legumes in the prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke: a review of the literature. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 60(10), 1145-1159.

Fifthteens are the tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The bioactive compound is lycopene. The antioxidant properties of lycopene may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and support heart health. Here’s the reference:

Sesso, H. D., et al.

General References on Phytochemicals

  1. Basu, A., & Rhone, M. (2006). Phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables: a review of potential health benefits. Nutrition Journal, 5(1), 1-17.

This review covers the broad health benefits of various phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables

  2.  Liu, R. H. (2013). Health benefits of fruit and vegetables are from additive and synergistic combinations of phytochemicals. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(3), 517S-520S.

This article discusses the combined effects of phytochemicals in promoting health.

  3.  Gupta, C., & Prakash, D. (2014). Phytonutrients as therapeutic agents. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 11(3), 151-169.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic properties of various phytonutrients.

These references will help researchers, doctors and health-conscious individuals search deeper into the subject and expand their knowledge on the medicinal properties of phytochemicals in plant-based diets.

There are tens of hundreds more I know. They are far, far too long and effort-consuming for me to continue to write here. I am already quite tired writing all night long into the eerie hours as it is already now 3:35 am into the early morning, and I don't think anyone will appreciate my efforts.  

I can only summarize for them that a plant-based diet is a holistic natural medicine for the management of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and are cancer-preventive among many, many more.

“Let Food be Thy Medicine” (Hippocrates), and never allow Big Pharma, any pharmacist, health care professional, nurse, or any doctor at all to tell you, let medicine be thy food. This last claim is criminally, scientifically, professionally and ethically wrong. Be rational and sensible, how could chemical drugs be used as our daily food?  

Hippocrates never said that. It was put there into his mouth long, long after he died.