AimonKopera MD
Ethnobotany is the scientific study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of native plants. Through study and research, ethnobotanists are amassing a considerable amount of evidence regarding the use of plants, not only for sustenance, but also for wellness and prevention.
Plants have evolved to produce powerful chemicals to protect themselves. Scientific research demonstrates that many of those same chemicals may also be used to protect humans against various health threats. We are finding that indigenous edible plants are rich in specific constituents, known as phytochemicals. And, health scientists have established phytochemicals have strong preventive and health promoting effects.
There are more than a thousand phytochemicals. Some of the best known are lycopene in tomatoes, isoflavonesin soy and flavanoids in fruits. Others include alkaloids, carotenoids, pre- and pro-biotics, phytosterols, tannins, fatty acids, terpenoids, saponins and soluble andinsoluble dietary fibers.
In laboratory studies phytochemicals demonstrate anti-oxidant activity; enzyme catalysis; inhibition of errant DNA replication; anti-bacterial effects; and, anti-adhesion
properties.
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