11 Amazing Health Benefits of Phytonutrients
- Improves Eye Health. Human eyes are sensitive organs – plus they are exposed to a lot of pollution and other environmental factors.
- Strengthens Bones. Strong bones will help maintain your posture as you grow old, enable you to keep on exercising without risk of injury and of course, prevent debilitating diseases ...
- For Cardiovascular Health. ...
How do you get the health benefits of phytonutrients?
To experience the health benefits of phytonutrients, you need to eat, drink, or take them as a supplement. All fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, but some have higher nutritional values than others.
What are the health benefits of phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals still offer plenty of wellness advantages. To experience the health benefits of phytonutrients, you need to eat, drink, or take them as a supplement. All fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, but some have higher nutritional values than others.
Do phytonutrients have anti-aging effects?
Some phytonutrients can regulate hormones such as estrogen and insulin. A number of phytochemicals have demonstrated possible anti-aging effects in at least a few clinical trials, and through several different mechanisms. Some of the more common include resveratrol, epicatechin, quercetin, curcumin, and allicin.
What are phytonutrients in food?
Plant foods contain thousands of natural chemicals. These are called phytonutrients or phytochemicals."Phyto" refers to the Greek word for plant. These chemicals help protect plants from germs, fungi, bugs, and other threats. Fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients. Other plant-based foods also contain phytonutrients, such as:
What are some of the benefits of phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals are compounds in plants....For the Health Benefits of Phytochemicals, "Eat a Rainbow"Aid the function of the immune system.Protect cells and DNA from damage that may lead to cancer.Reduce inflammation.Slow the growth rate of some cancer cells.Help regulate hormones.
Are phytonutrients good for you?
Phytonutrients aren't essential for keeping you alive, unlike the vitamins and minerals that plant foods contain. But when you eat or drink phytonutrients, they may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly.
What are phytonutrients and why do we need them?
Phytonutrients are natural chemicals or compounds produced by plants. They keep plants healthy, protecting them from insects and the sun. They can be found in: fruits.
What is the best source of phytonutrients?
Some foods that are particularly high in phytonutrients include:Kale. Often touted as a superfood, kale is well known as a popular nutrient-dense vegetable. ... Blueberries. ... Avocado. ... Spinach Containing high iron and nitrate concentrations, spinach is known for its positive effects on muscle strength.
What foods are high in phytonutrients?
Phytonutrient rich foodsRed, orange and yellow vegetables and fruit (such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, mangos, melons, citrus fruits, and berries)Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, bok choy, broccoli, Swiss chard, and romaine lettuce)Garlic, onions, chives and leeks.More items...
Which food is highest in phytochemicals?
Foods high in phytochemicalsBroccoli.Berries.Soynuts.Pears.Turnips.Celery.Carrots.Spinach.More items...
What phytonutrients are in bananas?
Banana contains several bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, biogenic amines and phytosterols, which are highly desirable in the diet as they exert many positive effects on human health and well-being.
What happens if you eat excess watermelon?
May Cause Diarrhoea And Other Digestive Problems Watermelon is an excellent source of water and an equally great source of dietary fibre. However, consuming in large quantity may give rise to digestive problems like diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, gas, et al.
What are the 4 phytochemicals?
These include phenolic compounds, terpenoid compounds, and alkaloids. More than 5000 individual dietary phytochemicals have been identified in plant foods (i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts) with varying content and composition.
Do lemons have phytonutrients?
Like all produce, lemons contain phytonutrients, which protect your body against disease. These phytonutrients have powerful antioxidant properties, which prevent cell damage from oxidation, the same mechanism that causes rust. Juice half a lemon into your water and you'll add a mere 6 calories to your diet.
Are phytonutrients the same as antioxidants?
Phytonutrients are chemicals produced by plants. Foods with phytonutrients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals, are chemicals produced by plants. Plants use phytonutrients to stay healthy.
How many phytonutrients are in an apple?
According to the Handbook of Phytochemical Constituents of Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) Herbs. They are nearly 400 phytochemicals, fresh, clean apple, Now this gives a new meaning to the adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
How do phytonutrients affect the body?
Like the macronutrients necessary for building strong bodies, and the vitamins and minerals needed for proper functioning, phytonutrients play an essential role in maintaining health and preventing disease.
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients, also known as phytochemicals, are plant-based compounds or chemicals that have a beneficial effect on the body and may play a role in the prevention and even treatment of disease. While it's thought that there are tens of thousands of these phytochemicals, only a small number have been isolated and tested.
How to maximize phytonutrients for kids?
In addition to aiming for a rainbow of foods, a few strategies may help you maximize the phytonutrients you and your children consume. Keep a photo of fruits and vegetables around the kitchen. Research shows that merely being around pictures of fruits and vegetables can increase your intake of the foods.
Why do people eat rainbows?
Eating a rainbow allows people to get the best of phytonutrients as their different colors offer up different health benefits.
What are some phytochemicals that are good for aging?
Some of the more common include resveratrol, epicatechin, quercetin, curcumin, and allicin.
What are the effects of phytochemicals on cancer?
In addition to the functions above, some phytochemicals can help in DNA repair (repairing mutated genes that can lead to cancer), slow the growth of tumors, or facilitate apoptosis (the process of cell death that gets rid of abnormal cells).
Where are phytonutrients found?
Phytonutrients are different than vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. They are found not only in fruits and vegetables, but in many spices, and even edible flowers. Many of these phytochemicals give the foods their color or smell.
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients are one of the foundations of phytotherapy: plant-source compounds which offer significant nutritional and/or therapeutic benefits for human health. Scientists have so far identified several hundred different phytonutrients. Featuring prominently among this vast family are the famous polyphenols and carotenoids. Indeed, it is these natural active principles which are responsible for the benefits of a wide variety of herbal supplements such as medicinal plants, super-berries and super-foods. In particular, they have been isolated in several plants used in traditional Asian medicine.
Can phytonutrients be covered?
It would be almost impossible to cover all the benefits of phytonutrients given the vast size of this family of active principles. Each molecule may have different properties and offer different benefits within the body. We can, however, focus on their key virtues.
Anthocyanins
According to a 2010 review published in the Annual Reviews in Food Science Technology has found that there are over 635 types of anthocyanins (23). The word anthocyanin comes from the Greek language and means blue or flower. It usually gives a blue, red, or purple hue to anthocyanin-rich vegetables and fruits.
Benefits of Anthocyanins
Reduced risk of disease: A 2010 review published in the Annual Reviews in Food Science and Technology has found that anthocyanins may reduce inflammation and the risk of disease (24).
Foods Rich in Anthocyanins
Red, blue, and purple plant foods are usually rich in anthocyanins. Some great examples include berries, currants, grapes, cherries, plums, red cabbage, and purple potatoes (23).
Tannins
Tannins provide an astringent, drying, and mouth-puckering flavor and affect the foods they are in. Despite their bitter taste, they actually offer many health benefits.
Benefits of Tannins
Increased antioxidants: A 2018 review published in Animal Nutrition has found that tannins are rich in antioxidants (30).
Foods Rich in Tannins
Tart foods, including pomegranates, currants, cranberries, and blackberries, are usually rich in tannins. Almonds, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, and other nuts are also high in tannins. Beans, lentils, rice, and barley are also good sources of tannin. Lastly, dark chocolate, coffee and tea are rich sources of tannins (30).
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin tend to give food a rich orange or yellow hue although they are also very high in green vegetables but the chlorophyll content of the greens overpowers the yellow/orange. They are powerful phytochemicals.
How are phytonutrients classified?
Phytonutrients are classified into types based on their chemical structure. Within these types are many groups that contain hundreds of phytonutrients. Below is a breakdown of the more common types and groups of phytonutrients.
What are the benefits of carotenoids?
Carotenoids act as antioxidants and have benefits that include boosting the immune system to protect the body against disease. Increasing this phytonutrient in your body through your diet can protect healthy cells in your body, which can help prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Why are flavonoids important?
They can be used to fight off free radicals that are responsible for causing oxidative stress. Therefore, they can be useful in protecting the body from toxins and stress. In addition to this, they can be useful in preventing inflammation.
Is phytonutrients good for you?
Although phytonutrients are not essential, they can provide many health benefits. Incorporating them into your everyday life can help you fight off diseases and infections that can be harmful to your health. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of how that can be done.
Is it necessary to have a good diet of phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients are not considered to be essential for our bodies to function in a healthy way. For example, our bodies rely on us to get the proper amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat to stay healthy. If not, then our health and bodies may begin to wither away.
Is resveratrol good for you?
Resveratrol is a phytonutrient that acts as an antioxidant. The health benefits that it can provide include preserving brain health, increasing insulin sensitivity, and lowering blood pressure. It may also aid in preventing cartilage from deteriorating, which prevents joint pain and preserves mobility.
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients are naturally occurring plant compounds that provide nourishment. These are different from essential nutrients, which your body needs to function. Phytochemicals still offer plenty of wellness advantages. To experience the health benefits of phytonutrients, you need to eat, drink, or take them as a supplement.
Which phytonutrient is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties?
However, many micronutrients 4 provide the same effects naturally. The phytonutrient type that is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties is beta-carotene.
What is the role of resveratrol in the body?
The Phytonutrient Resveratrol benefits 16 the body by scavenging for free radicals in the body and also functions such as an antimicrobial and anti-dyslipidemia (dyslipidemia is having high or low blood lipid levels – think triglycerides and cholesterol. Resveratrol helps to maintain a healthy lipid level in the body ).
What are the benefits of a syringe?
Some of these benefits include vision, cardiovascular, anti-aging protection, skin cancer protection, chronic diseases, and potential benefits suggestions by some researchers, such as bone health, slowing the rate of mental decline, boosting immunity, and breast and prostate cancer risk reduction.
Why are tomatoes high in lectins?
Tomatoes – Tomatoes are high in LECTINS (Toxic chemicals produced by plants to protect themselves from being eaten – one of these toxic chemicals is known as GLUTEN but there are many more. It is a good idea to peel and eliminate the skin and de-seed to reduce your risk of lectin consumption.
Where can I find lutein?
You can find lutein in collard greens, spinach, broccoli, lettuces, kale, and brussels sprouts. Resveratrol – is a phytochemical that might help heart health by reducing LDL or bad cholesterol and preventing blood clots 10. You can find resveratrol in red grapes and peanuts.
Do fruits and vegetables have phytochemicals?
All fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, but some have higher nutritional values than others. Researchers have been studying the benefits of these plant-based chemicals for years. In this article, we will discuss six powerful phytonutrients and their health benefits.
How many phytonutrients are in plant foods?
But when you eat or drink phytonutrients, they may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly. More than 25,000 phytonutrients are found in plant foods.
What chemicals can help with cancer?
These chemicals may help hold in check the development and growth of cancer. Phytoestrogens. Because of their structure, phytoestrogens can exert estrogen -like effects. They can also block the effects of your natural supply of estrogen. Soy foods contain isoflavones -- a type of phytoestrogen.
What are phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens. Plant foods contain thousands of natural chemicals. These are called phytonutrients or phytochemicals."Phyto" refers to the Greek word for plant. These chemicals help protect plants from germs, fungi, bugs, and other threats. Fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients.
What foods help the immune system?
This vitamin helps keep your immune system working properly, and it's needed for eye health. Yellow and orange foods like pumpkins and carrots are good sources of alpha- and beta-carotene.
Is soy a phytoestrogen?
Soy foods contain isoflavones -- a type of phytoestrogen. Some evidence suggests that soy foods may be linked to: Lower risk of endometrial cancer. Lower risk of bone loss in women. Your body converts lignans, another type of phytonutrient, into chemicals with some estrogen-like effects.
Does pink grapefruit help with cataracts?
Pink grapefruit. Lycopene has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin. These may help protect you from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which are two types of eye problems.
