Different plants produce different phytochemicals, including carotenoids in carrots and sweet potatoes, capsaicin in hot peppers, and isoflavones in soybeans. The process of identifying each individual phytochemical, and then determining its specific function in the human body is an ongoing process. While legumes are thought to contain many different phytochemicals, at present two appear to be most important in preventing cardiovascular disease. Saponins are one type of phytochemical abundant in legumes, potatoes, oats, spinach, tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts. They help fight fungal infections, combat microbes and viruses, and knock out some kinds of tumor cells, particularly lung and blood cancers.
Saponins prevent cancer cells from multiplying by interfering with their DNA replication process.
They can also lower blood cholesterol by either inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, or by inhibiting the reabsorption of bile acids. Isoflavones, found in garbanzo beans and in larger amounts in soybeans, possess a variety of health benefits. Isoflavones mimic the action of estradiol, estrogen produced by the human body. Because of this estrogenic action, isoflavones help prevent heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol levels and decreasing the clotting time of blood. What you can do Scientists have identified over 600 different phytochemicals, and their work is not yet complete.