抄録
Polyphenols and carotenoids are pigments that are widely present in plant foods and are also biofactors with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In order to determine the contribution of polyphenols and carotenoids to human health, it is necessary to estimate the amount of intake from an individual's daily diet. Our research group has developed an original database on the total polyphenol and carotenoid content of selected foods and has assessed the daily intakes in several Japanese populations. These studies showed that beverages, especially coffee and green tea, were the main sources of total polyphenol intake in Japanese adults. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies and a prospective cohort study clarified that polyphenol intake was negatively associated with oxidative stress markers and the risk of coronary artery disease. Green and yellow vegetables (such as carrots, tomatoes, and spinach), mandarin oranges, and eggs were important sources of carotenoids. These findings may contribute to the elucidation of the effects of polyphenols and carotenoids in the prevention of atherosclerosis and provide important data on the diet and health of the Japanese.
