The importance of biologically active substances in our life cannot be underestimated. They play a very significant role in the prevention of major chronic diseases, as well as in maintaining health, although they are not recognized as essential nutrients.
general characteristics
Biologically active substances (BAS) are compounds that, due to their physicochemical properties, have a certain activity and have a positive effect on a certain function of the body, sometimes not just stimulating or changing it, but also completely replacing it.
There are no absolutely indifferent substances. All substances to a certain extent affect the functions of the body, helping to achieve a certain effect.
The largest amount of biologically active compounds is found in plant foods. Such substances are called phytocompounds. They affect the metabolic processes and contribute to the neutralization of foreign substances in the body. In addition, they can bind free radicals.
According to their chemical nature, biologically active compounds are subdivided into terpenes, phenols, thiols and lignans.
Terpenes
Terpenes are phyto compounds that act as antioxidants. This group also includes carotenoids. To date, more than 600 carotenoids are known, The content of these substances in tomatoes, carrots, parsley, spinach, bell peppers, oranges and grapefruits. Carotenoids trap and neutralize free radicals. The consumption of foods containing carotenoids promotes the acceleration of oxidation and the elimination of foreign substances from the body.
Phenols and polyphenols
Among phenols and their compounds, the most studied are flavonoids. Today, about 5000 representatives of flavonoids have been identified, studied and described.
Flavanones are a specific class of flavonoids found in citrus fruits. They are also found in vegetables, but only in certain types and in very small quantities.
Flavanones include hesperitin, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins. These substances are found in apples, black and red currants, black tea, red form, chocolate and all types of citrus fruits. All of these active substances prevent the development of atherosclerotic diseases, contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. There is an assumption according to which the active compounds of these groups also have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
Thiols
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and various types of cabbage contain sulfur-containing biologically active substances. They include several subgroups - indoles, dithiolthions and isothiocyanates.
It has been proven that the consumption of these active substances inhibits the likelihood of cancer of the lung, stomach, colon and rectum. This phenomenon is closely related to the action of thiol compounds.
Thiol-related active substances are found in onions and garlic.
Lignans
Another subgroup of active phyto-compounds are lignans. They are found in flax seeds, wheat bran, rye flour, buckwheat and oatmeal, barley.
The consumption of foods containing lignans significantly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and oncological diseases.
