A review of the health care potential of bioactive compounds

The projected incidence of chronic disease and the importance of diet in potentially reducing this risk require urgent attention. Current health care systems will be unable to cope with the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, particularly with the ageing population and global increased incidence of obesity. There is growing interest in bioactive compounds present in plants and their potential importance in reducing risk of chronic disease, and these data will be reviewed with particular focus on flavonoids, sterols, salicylates and glucosinolates.