ANT214H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Micronutrient, Theobromine, Illicium Verum
Document Summary
Food pharmacology: synergistic effects that enhance bioavailability & potency of companion phytochemicals. Improve healthful qualities of foods: remedy chronic problems micronutrient deficient, spice complexes, ayurveda trikatu, fruits of long & black peppers and ginger rhizome in equal portions, chinese five spice, star anise, clove, cinnamon, fennel, flower pepper. Influence blood pressure in peripheral circulation: produce body heat, promote lipid metabolism, affects metabolic regulation through nervous system & hormonal influences, enhance digestion through, promotion of peristalsis & secretion of digestive enzymes, stimulate liver to produce bile. Increased absorption into blood from intestines: antioxidant activity = inhibits oxidation free radicals to reduce cell damage. Cacao: domesticated ~4000 ya, west amazon or southern mexico & north guatemala & belize, seeds of fleshy pod, olmecs, toltecs, mayans, aztecs, adult males of high status, drunk as beverage, exchanged as currency. Medicinal uses of cacao: restore weight of patients with wasting diseases, stimulates nervous system, calm the over-stimulated, pleasurable taste/flavor sensations = relaxing effect.
