Carotenoids and total phenolic contents in plant foods commonly consumed in Korea.
Phytochemicals are reported to provide various biological functions leading to the promotion of health as well as the reduced risk of chronic diseases. Fat-soluble plant pigments, carotenoids, are extensively studied micronutrient phytochemicals for their potential health benefits. It is noteworthy that specific carotenoids may be responsible for different protective effects against certain diseases. In addition, each carotenoid can be obtained from different types of plant foods. Considering the fact that the phytochemical content in foods can vary according to, but not limited to, the varieties and culture conditions, it is important to establish a database of phytochemicals in locally produced plant foods. Currently, information on individual carotenoid content in plant foods commonly consumed in Korea is lacking. As the first step to support the production and consumption of sustainable local plant foods, carotenoids and total phenolic contents of plant foods commonly consumed in Korea are presented and their potential biological functions are discussed in this review.
Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Dong-Eui University, Busan 614-714, Korea.
Gun-Ae
GA
Yoon
Kyung-Jin
KJ
Yeum
Yoon-Suk
YS
Cho
C-Y Oliver
CY
Chen
Guangwen
G
Tang
Jeffrey B
JB
Blumberg
Robert M
RM
Russell
Sun
S
Yoon
Yang Cha
YC
Lee-Kim
Phytochemicals; carotenoids; plant foods in Korea; total phenolics