Amazing Greens Unit 2 Study Guide PDF

Caffeine Active ingredient in many beverages; related to purine bases in DNA. Type of alkaloid, deters grazing. Effects: alertness, cognition, endurance, physical performance, mood elevation, pain relief. Physiological: CNS stimulation, increased heart rate, appetite suppressi...

Caffeine Active ingredient in many beverages; related to purine bases in DNA. Type of alkaloid, deters grazing. Effects: alertness, cognition, endurance, physical performance, mood elevation, pain relief. Physiological: CNS stimulation, increased heart rate, appetite suppression, diuresis. Linked to lower Parkinson's disease risk. Undesirable: withdrawal, headaches, insomnia, irritability, birth defects. Coffee Scientific name: Coffea arabica Origin: Eastern Africa (Ethiopia). History: Began in Ethiopia; roasting in Yemen (13th century); spread to Europe (17th century); key in Industrial Revolution. Processing: Hull removal, fermentation, drying, roasting. Shade-grown vs. sun-grown: Shade-grown is better for birds and the environment. Organic/Fair Trade: Aims for fair prices and conditions for farmers. Decaffeination: Soaked in solvent (ethyl acetate); caffeine sold for other uses. Health benefits: Linked to lower Parkinson's risk. Tea Scientific name: Camellia sinensis Origin: Tibet, India, China, Myanmar. History: Originated in China (~2700 BC); introduced to Europe (late 1600s); sparked Boston Tea Party (1773). Uses: Most consumed stimulating beverage; less international trade than coffee. Processing: Black (fermented), Green (steamed), Oolong (semi-fermented), White (least processed). Theophylline: Used for asthma treatment; relaxes bronchial muscles.  Health benefits: May lower cancer rates; boosts immune response; lowers LDL cholesterol. Chocolate Scientific name: Theobroma cacao Origin: South and Central America. History: Aztecs consumed chocolate; introduced to Spain (1520s); modern chocolate bars (19th century). Uses: Food, beverages, cosmetics. Cultivation: Small tree; fruit harvested by hand. Processing: Fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding into chocolate liquor. Health effects: Contains caffeine, theobromine; lowers blood pressure; antioxidants; may reduce dementia risk. Ethical issues: Explored in The Dark Side of Chocolate. Kola and Soft Drinks Scientific name: Cola nitida Origin: West Africa. History: Coca-Cola invented in 1886; original formula included cocaine. Tobacco Scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum Origin: The Americas. History: Used by Native Americans; brought to Europe by Columbus; popularized in England. Uses: Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes); chewing tobacco. Cultivation: Labor-intensive; careful monitoring; curing process. Processing: Cutting, blending, flavoring. Health effects: Nicotine addiction; cancers; heart disease; harmful chemicals in smoke. Tobacco in Developing Countries: Indonesia - economic, health, and social issues. Additional Notes Ethical issues in chocolate and tobacco industries. Critical evaluation of related films and discussions encouraged. Spices: Enhancing Flavor and Preserving Food Origin/History: Tied to exploration and trade; Arab merchants controlled ancient spice trade. Plant Parts: ○ Bark: Cinnamon. ○ Berries: Black/white pepper. ○ Flower Buds: Cloves. ○ Aril: Mace. ○ Seed: Nutmeg. ○ Rhizome: Ginger, turmeric. ○ Stigmas: Saffron. ○ Fruits: Chili peppers, vanilla, allspice. Other Uses: Medicine, perfumes, dyes, food preservation. Capsaicin from chili peppers helps with pain relief. Old World Spices Cinnamon: Native to India/Sri Lanka. Black Pepper: Native to India. Cloves: Native to Spice Islands. Nutmeg/Mace: Native to Spice Islands. Ginger: Native to tropical Asia. Turmeric: Related to ginger. Saffron: Native to eastern Mediterranean; most expensive spice. New World Spices  Chili Peppers: From Mexico and Central/South America. Vanilla: Native to Mexico. Allspice: From a Caribbean tree. Herbs: Aromatic Leaves and Seeds Mint Family: Includes mint, basil, thyme. Parsley Family: Includes parsley, dill, cilantro. Mustard Family: Includes broccoli, cabbage, radish. Lily Family: Includes onions, garlic. Medicinal Uses of Herbs Mint Family: May prevent certain cancers. Parsley Family: Coriander may protect against cancer. Lily Family: Garlic has antimicrobial properties. Fibers: From Plants to Textiles Classification: Botanically, commercially, nutritionally. Sources: ○ Seed Fibers: Cotton, coir. ○ Bast Fibers: Flax, hemp, jute. ○ Leaf Fibers: Sisal, Manila hemp. Cotton: A Staple Fiber Scientific Name: Gossypium hirsutum. Origin: Americas; domesticated thousands of years ago. Uses: 50% of world’s textiles; economically important. Cultivation: Grows in warm climates; major producers include China, India. Pesticide Use: High pesticide consumption. Processing: Harvested, ginned, carded, spun. Health Issues: Boll weevil pest; significant historical impact on US Civil War. Other Fibers Flax: Used for linen. Hemp: Used for ropes and canvas. Jute: Used for burlap and clothing. Sisal: Used for ropes. Ramie: Strongest natural fibers. Coir: From coconut, used for ropes. Kapok: Used for stuffing. Coconut: The Versatile Tropical Treasure Botany: A drupe, not a true nut. History: Valued for food, oil, fibers, and medicine. Uses: Coconut water, milk, oil for cooking. Health Benefits: Contains MCTs; ongoing research on health effects. Palm Oil: Uses and Environmental Issues Uses: Cooking and biodiesel. Environmental Concerns: Deforestation and biodiversity loss. Rubber Plant: A Source of Natural Rubber Origin: Para rubber tree, native to Amazon. Processing: Latex collected by tapping; processed into rubber. Vulcanization: Improves elasticity; invented by Charles Goodyear. Oak Tree: The Mighty Hardwood Origin: Native to Northern Hemisphere. Uses: Construction, furniture. Wood Formation: From inactive xylem cells. Other Hardwoods and Softwoods Maple: Used for syrup and wood products. Walnut: Valued for nuts and durable wood. Pine/Hemlock: Used for construction and paper. Paper: From Pulp to Product Wood Pulp: Separated wood fibers. Types: Various paper products. Environmental Issues: Deforestation, pollution. Alternatives: Recycled paper, hemp, agrifiber. Bamboo: A Sustainable Alternative Origin: Native to East Asia. Growth: Rapid growth rate. Processing: Used for paper, furniture, and more; ecologically sound.