Phytochemicals or phytonutrients
Phytochemicals or phytonutrients has been a trend in medicine lately. Generally, this is referred to as "nu-traceuticals" which means foods that have properties of drugs.
What are Phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals are a class of nutra-ceuticals derived from plants known for their medicinal rather than their food values. Phytochemicals work together with nutrients found in fruits, vegetables and nuts, to help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of many diseases. They can have complementary and overlapping mechanisms of action in the body. Fruits
and vegetables rich in phytochemicals include: garlic, onions, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli tomatoes. peppers, carrots, celery, oranges,
lemons, grapefruit, grapes, berries, cherries, apples, cantaloupe, Watermelon, pomegranate, soybeans, green tea, and ginger
Benefits of Phytochemicals
• May help reduce the risk of high blood cholesterol and some heart
diseases, • May also help prevent cancer by increasing body resistance or defense mechanism,
• Boost immune response,
• Protects body's structural components.
• Helps in detoxification process of the liver
• Helps in fighting infection
Diet influences many health conditions and diseases. As such, optimal
health requires making the right
choices regarding nutrition and diet.