Phytonutrients & Phytochemicals natural chemicals or compounds produced by plants. These are the natural protection for the plants to stay healthy, protecting themselves from insects and the harmful rays from the sunshine. They believe that this protective system protect our cells from damage that could lead to diseases like cancer.
They are not stored in your body so you need to continually replenish them with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds.
Fruit and vegetables apart from vitamins and minerals and fibre are a rich source of bioactive compounds. Which Scientists believe these compounds with irrefutable evidence of cancer fighting, immune system boosting, hormone stabilisers and anti ageing antioxidant properties. It is believed that these phytonutrients can talk to genes and alter genetic expression.
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, herbs, and spices aiming for every colour of the rainbow. The phytochemicals from these huge varieties are believed to protect cells from damage that could lead to illnesses like cancer.
Increasing phytonutrient rich foods within your diet can boost antioxidant activity and support your immune system and protect from diseases.
Main groups of health-promoting Phytochemicals
Phytonutrients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can boost health.
Flavonoids – Potential to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and heart disease. Decrease inflammation. Found in green tea, apples, onions, coffee, grapefruits and ginger.
Antioxidants – Protect the cells of the body from free radicals.
Carotenoids – There are more than 600 carotenoids. Act as antioxidants and supports immune system function. Carrots anti-aging antioxidants.
Anthocyanidins – Purple plant pigment colour. Shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Sulfides – Garlic and onions, may strengthen the immune system.
Glucosinolates – Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts can help eliminate toxins. Regulate inflammation, associated with cancer prevention and protect cells from DNA damage.
Proanthocyanidins – is a polymer and in a group of compounds called polyphenols . Present in many vegetables, fruits, plant skins (rind/bark), seeds, flowers, and nuts.
Other Phytonutrients
Alium Compounds – Alium Genius – Garlic, Onions, leeks, chives and shallots.
Bioflavonoids – antioxidant for escorts toxic metals out of the body
Boswellic Acid – frankincense/olibanum obtained from Boswellia trees.
Capsaicin – active component of chilli peppers
Sulforaphane – Broccoli does amazing things
Chlorophyl – green pigments
Coumarins – fragrant organic chemical
curcumin – bright yellow chemical colour
dithiolethiones –
Ellagic Acid – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Highest levels are present in raspberries. Other fruits strawberries, blackberries, grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, and pecans.
Resveratrol – Dark red found predominantly in grape skin so can be found in wine. Helps cardiovascular and cognitive health. Other foods peanuts
pistachios, strawberries, blueberries and
dark chocolate.
Phytoestrogens – Food soy, broccoli, oranges, carrots and coffee.
