Here is Everything You Need To Know About Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients is a broad term that refers to a wide range of chemicals generated by plants. Fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, and other plants contain them. Each phytonutrient comes from a different plant source and is thought to have distinct effects and advantages on the body. According to some estimates, there are as many as 4,000 phytonutrients! Thousands have been identified by scientists, however, only a small percentage of phytonutrients have been thoroughly investigated.

Plants create natural chemicals or molecules known as Phytonutrients. They protect plants from insects and the sun, keeping them healthy. They can be found in the following places: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, tea, nuts, beans, and spices. Plants and allied foods contain tens of thousands of phytonutrients. The following are some of the most prevalent phytonutrients: carotenoids, ellagic acid is a kind of lactic acid, resveratrol, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and glucosinolates.

Health Benefits of Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are known for a variety of traits, including antioxidant properties, which lead the pack in terms of health advantages. 

• Carotenoids are good for your eyes and your immune system. According to studies, two of the six most prevalent carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are located in the retina and can reduce your risk of macular degeneration by 43 percent.
• Flavonoids have been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease. These phytochemicals help cells communicate effectively. This can help with detoxification, inflammation reduction, and tumor spread prevention.
• Glucosinolates work in a similar way to help prevent cancer. They're mostly found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts, and they assist the body to expel pollutants.

Phytonutrients come in a Variety of Forms

Supplements containing Phytonutrients are available. They are, however, best consumed as nutrient-dense foods. Supplements don't provide all of the nutrients the body requires to stay alive, and they can be hazardous in rare circumstances of high dosage.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that give vegetables and fruits their vibrant colors. More than 600 carotenoids are found in foods and lipid sources, and they must be ingested. Carotenoids come in a variety of forms, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin.

Carotenoids are antioxidants that can be converted to vitamin A in some cases. They boost your immune system, improve your vision, and lower your cancer risk.

Ellagic Acid is a Kind of Lactic Acid

Ellagic acid is a phytochemical that has been shown to reduce cancer risk and cholesterol levels. Ellagic acid contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Raspberries have the highest concentrations of ellagic acid. This chemical is also found in the following foods: strawberries, blackberries, grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, and pecans.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found predominantly in grapes — specifically, the grape skin — and wine. This compound supports cardiovascular and cognitive health. Resveratrol has also been associated with increased cerebral blood flow. Resveratrol can be found in other foods: peanuts, pistachios, strawberries, blueberries, and dark chocolate.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are one of the largest groups of Phytonutrients. This compound is rich in antioxidant properties and anticancer activity. There are many subgroups of flavonoids, including flavones, anthocyanins, flavanones, isoflavones, and flavonols.