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Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated protective effects on human health from consumption of vegetables and fruits. Information on plant-sourced antioxidant capacity and intake is crucial to better understand the health implications of various dietary patterns. The objective of this study was to determine daily intake of antioxidant activity (AOA) from vegetables for the Chinese population in Taiwan. AOA intakes from vegetables were calculated to be 2014 }lmol TEl day for methanol-soluble antioxidants and 750 }lmol TEl day for water-soluble antioxidants based on a vegetable consumption survey in Taiwan in 2000. Sweet potato leaves, leafy Chinese cabbage, bamboo shoot, and spinach contributed 46% of the daily AOA intake for methanol-extracted antioxidants; whereas, sweet' potato leaves, spinach, white cabbage and radish contributed 57% of the water-soluble AOA intake. Highly consumed vegetables, including white cabbage, bamboo shoot and loofah, were low in AOA. Increased consumption of green leafy vegetables could greatly improve overall AOA intake.