Bioflavonoids, Nutraceuticals and
Phytochemicals That Help Fight Disease
Class
Nutraceuticals
Food Sources
Action
 
Phyto-
estrogens 		Daidzein, genistein Soy products, alfalfa sprouts May block some cancers, aids menopausal symptoms,
genistein inhibits angiogenesis
Coumestrol Licorice root (not candy) Antiestrogenic
Formononetin Red clover sprouts Antiestrogenic
 
Phytosterols Beta sitosterol, gamma
sitosterol, stigmasterol 		Plant oils, corn, sesame, soy,
safflower, wheat, pumpkin 		Block hormonal role in cancers, inhibit uptake of
cholesterol from diet
 
Saponins Diosgenin Yams, beets, soybeans, beans, nuts May prevent cancer cells from multiplying
 
Terpenes Carotenoids -- alpha,
beta, gamma and delta 		Carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, yams, apricots, cantaloupes Antioxidants, protect DNA from free radical-induced damage
Lycopene Tomatoes and tomato-based products Helps block UVA and UVB rays and may protect against prostate cancer
d-Limonene Citrus fruit Promotes protective enzymes, antiseptic
Lutein
zeaxanthin 		Spinach, kale, turnip greens Protect eyes from macular degeneration
protects and detoxifies the liver
Capsaicin Red chile peppers Keeps carcinogens from binding to DNA
 
Phenols Coumarins Fennel, parsley, carrots, alfalfa Prevent blood clotting, may have anticancer properties
Flavonoids Citrus fruit, broccoli, cabbage,
cucumbers, green peppers, tomatoes 		Weak antioxidants, block membrane receptor
sites for certain hormones
Flavanols, oligomeric
proanthocyanidins 		Grape seeds Strong antioxidants, block destructive enzymes,
strengthen veins and capillaries
Catechins Green and black tea Linked to reduced rates of gastrointestinal cancers
Resveratrol Grapes, especially the skin Antioxidant, antimutagen, induces detoxification enzymes, carcinogen inhibition
Curcubitacins Yellow and green squash Antihepatotoxic, antitumor
 
Sulfur
compounds 		Allylic sulfides, gamma glutamyl, allyl cysteine Onions, garlic (all kinds) Promote protective liver enzymes, inhibit cholesterol synthesis, reduce triglycerides, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure, improve immune response, antibiotic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic
Glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, sulforaphane Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, radish Induce protective enzymes
 
organic acids Indole-3-carbinol Cabbage, kale May protect against colon cancer
P-coumaric, chlorogenic Tomatoes, green peppers Block production of cancer-causing nitrosamine
Ferulic, gallic, ellagallic Rice, grains, tea Antitumor, astringent
Phytic Grains, rice, barley, corn, wheat, rye Antitumor, astringent
Ascorbic Citrus fruit, broccoli, most fruits and veggies Binds iron, preventing it from becoming a cancer-causing pro-oxidant
Glyceritinic Licorice (not candy) Antioxidant, preserves vitamin E, restores collagen, protects heart, supports anticancer activity
 
fiber Lignans Soybeans, nuts, flaxseeds Inhibit tumor progression, estrogenic or antiestrogenic as needed
Pectins Apples, pears, prunes, plums Promote beneficial intestinal flora, colon action
 
Protease
inhibitors 		Soy products, alfalfa sprouts Soyfoods, potatoes, eggs, cereals Prevent activation of specific genes that cause cancer, protect against radiation and free radicals
 
This information is not intended as medical advice. Consult your natural health practitioner.