Terpenes are the cause of the most penetrating flavors and also from the beneficial effects on health of certain foods. Are basic components of essential oils and they are present in aromatic plants, spices and many fruits.

Researchers have studied their effect against cancer, viruses, bacteria and high cholesterolamong other health problems.

What are terpenes and what are they for?

In plants, these aromatic substances serve to attract insects. that participate in reproduction or to repel pests.

The strong pine resin smellwith whose turpentine essence turpentine was made, It is due to its very high terpene content (the word comes from turpentineturpentine in English).

As a food ingredient that we humans consume, terpenes promote health in certain circumstances.

In general, terpenes act as antioxidants that protect lipids, blood and other body fluids from the attack of free radicals. The most studied are the effects of terpenes limonene and carvone.

Without terpenes, fruits, aromatic plants and spices would be completely bland.

What effect do terpenes have on health?

Currently studying the possible usefulness of d-limonene as an aid in cancer therapy. Successful studies have been carried out at Charing Cross Hospital in London (United Kingdom) with patients suffering from breast and bowel cancer.

High doses of terpenes are used in medical research, far above the amounts found in food. However, according to Watzl, «there are clear Evidence that a diet rich in terpenes helps reduce the risk of cancer«.

Some terpenes have antibiotic effects. He carvacrolfound in savory and thyme, is especially active against germs present in food.

Besides, It is possible that terpenes regulate cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

What foods contain terpenes?

Almost any plant food with an intense aroma contains terpenes; especially the fresh vegetables that smell like flowers, citrus, mint, grass and pine. This is the case, for example, of lemon.

Are terpenes lost when cooking?

Terpenes react with light and oxygen. Therefore They tend to decompose upon contact with cooking water and air. To avoid its disappearance as much as possible, It is best to eat foods rich in terpenes raw.consuming them immediately after being prepared.

Besides, The terpene content is higher when the fruit is allowed to ripen on the tree. Hence the importance of consuming products seasonal and if it is possible grown in the environment where you live.

How do you take aromatic plants, cooked or not?

Parsley, dill or mountain celery should not be heatedbut chopped and sprinkled fresh on the ready dish.

Other terpenes, such as those present in cumin or dried bay leaves, they develop better when slightly heatedso they can cook for a few minutes.

Are terpenes present in juices?

Yes, but the freshness of the juice matters. The freshly squeezed At home they generally have higher amounts of terpenes than commercial products.

A study showed that The limonene content in packaged orange juice decreased between 25 and 60 percent two weeks after it was packaged.

Where are there more terpenes, in the pulp or in the skin?

Most of the terpenes in citrus fruits are found in the skin. That is why it is important not to replace oranges with their juice and purchase organically grown fruits whose surface is free of fungicides.

You can use the grated peels on desserts or as flavorings for other dishes.

Are terpenes found only in food?

No, They are the main components of essential oils which are used in perfumery and aromatherapy. They are also added to paints as solvents.

Through smell its effect is different that produced by ingestion: they produce a stimulating or relaxing effect on the nervous system.

Are they nutritionally important?

Beta-carotene or provitamin A is chemically a terpene and therefore a source of an essential nutrient, but most terpenes are not They are considered essential for health. Terpenes are included among phytochemical substances with beneficial effects, especially on the immune system.

How many terpenes are known?

It is a very large family made up of thousands of substances. The carotenoid subclass is made up of more than 700 substances. Among the best-known and most abundant terpenes are geraniol, limonene, terpineol, lycopene, linalool, retinol, borneol, capsaicin or cineole.

Do they protect the respiratory system?

A subclass of terpenes, limonoids help eliminate mucus that congests the lungs. In people affected by respiratory diseases, limonoid supplementation reduces the need to take antibiotics, as well as the frequency and intensity of cough, acute bronchitis or expectoration.

Is it true that they cause allergies?

Some hypersensitive people may react with allergic symptoms to certain terpenes.

For this reason The law required the presence of terpenes to be declared on the label of cosmetic products such as d-limonene, geraniol or farnesol. Anyway, they are reactions uncommon.