ABSTRACT
Polyphenols and carotenoids are naturally occurring phytochemicals found in plants. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that numerous polyphenols and carotenoids have health-promoting properties that may reduce the risk associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.64,78 Polyphenols represent a class of secondary plant metabolites (SPMs) that play critical roles in the physiology of plants, including pigmentation, resistance to pathogen stress and herbivory, and protection against ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation.27,50 The polyphenolic profiles of plants differ between species and varieties of the same species and are generally synthesized in response to environmental pressures.
