Bioactive Compounds of Fruits and Vegetables

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables are colourful, flavourful and nutritious components of our diets. Bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates and anthocyanins present in fruits and vegetables are receiving increased attention because of their potential health benefits. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may help to delay the ageing processes and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases. The combination of vitamins, minerals, phenolic antioxidants and fibre seems to be responsible for these effects. Nowadays, some authors recommend consumption of fruits and vegetables with high bioactivity, because only such fruits and vegetables are effective in prevention and treatment of various diseases.