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Food Lipids: Chemistry, Nutrition, and Biotechnology

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Figure 6 Structures of green tea antioxidants.<br />

inhibit oxidation. Diets containing soy provide genestin, which is a phytoestrogen.<br />

Dietary estrogens are structurally similar to endogenous estrogens <strong>and</strong> mimic their<br />

action by binding to the estrogen receptor [82]. Dietary estrogen can produce biological<br />

effects similar to those of the endogenous estrogen. The role of dietary estrogens<br />

such as genistein in preventing or enhancing the progression of such chronic<br />

diseases as breast cancer, heart disease, or bone loss has not been clarified at this<br />

time. However, the interest in the biological effects of dietary estrogens is great both<br />

in the research community <strong>and</strong> among consumers.<br />

Herbs <strong>and</strong> spices/spice extracts. Spices <strong>and</strong> herbs have been used as flavorants<br />

for thous<strong>and</strong>s of years. The antioxidant activity of spices <strong>and</strong> herbs is thought<br />

to be primarily due to the presence of phenolic compounds <strong>and</strong> especially phenolic<br />

acids <strong>and</strong> flavonoids. The strong flavor of spices <strong>and</strong> herbs precludes their use in<br />

many food products. Researchers have tried to identify <strong>and</strong> isolate specific antioxidant<br />

components of spices <strong>and</strong> herbs that do not contribute undesirable flavor or<br />

color to foods. To date, only rosemary <strong>and</strong> sage (Perilla plants) are commercially<br />

available as flavorless, odorless, <strong>and</strong> colorless antioxidant extracts. Thyme, fenugreek<br />

[83], <strong>and</strong> turmeric [84] possess antioxidative components <strong>and</strong> may provide sources<br />

for commercial products.<br />

Rosemary antioxidants (Fig. 8) have been used in processed foods for decades.<br />

Currently, concentrated rosemary extracts are available that do not impart flavor or<br />

Copyright 2002 by Marcel Dekker, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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