Secondary plant substances
Secondary plant compounds - they are found exclusively in plant foods. Although they are not necessarily essential to life, they usually have health-supporting talents. They are also known under the umbrella term "health-promoting substances". Secondary plant compounds sometimes have very similar properties to vitamins. Secondary plant compounds are colouring, scenting and flavouring substances in plants. Among other things, they have functions such as attracting insects and repelling pests. Secondary plant compounds are found in fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grain products. Up to now, about 30,000 different secondary plant compounds with different talents or areas of application are known. Important representatives are e.g. carotenoids, glucosinolates, phytosterols and flavonoids. The individual representatives of the secondary plant compounds are as diverse as their possibilities.
Ashwagandha has been used in Indian medicine for a long time and has many effects that have been proven in studies. These range from stress reduction and cortisol reduction with improved stress perception to improved sleep quality.
In India and Southeast Asia, turmeric has been used therapeutically in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for over 4,000 years. The wide range of different galenic formulations and the often low bioavailability are repeatedly criticised. Read more here.
It soothes dry skin, fights acne and relieves menopausal symptoms: Evening primrose oil. The natural remedy is becoming increasingly popular in cosmetics and research - and rightly so. Read more about it here.
The evergreen subshrub rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to the central and western Mediterranean region. It can grow up to two metres tall and exudes an intense aromatic fragrance. Find out more here.
Saffron is known as the most expensive spice in the world. But in addition to its delicious flavour in risotto and many other delicious recipes, saffron was also used as a medicine in ancient times. Read more about it here.
Lemon balm or balm (Melissa officinalis) is a plant species from the genus Melissa within the family Lamiaceae. It originates from the eastern Mediterranean region. The leaves (Melissae folium) are used as a pharmaceutical drug. More information here.