5 Ways Phytonutrients Can Improve Your Health

Phytonutrients are nutrients within plant foods, like fruits and vegetables, that have many beneficial effects on health. Phytonutrients can act as antioxidants, combating free radical damage, and lower the risk of developing various diseases!

According to Balance of Nature, "phytochemicals protect the plant from natural invaders such as parasites, insects, free radicals, and disease. Scientists have discovered that the same chemicals that work for the plants' survival perform the same function in the human body."

By eating foods that high in phytochemicals, or phytonutrients, we can lower our risk of disease and supply our bodies with the fuel and nutrition in needs for optimal function.

Yes, they can! There are tons of things out there that can harm our bodies; luckily, we don't have to be left defenseless. Phytonutrients can help protect our bodies, and some can even repair cells.

Keep reading below to find out which ways they can benefit us and how.

According to ScienceDirect, saponins, stilbenes, lignins, isoflavones, and flavonols are phytonutrients that may prevent against cancer. You can get these by eating the following foods:

• alfalfa
• carrots
• asparagus
• cocoa
• garlic
• grapefruit
• grapes
• legumes
• onions
• peanuts
• red wine
• soy
• whole grains

Also, it is important to get phytonutrients from whole food, not pills.

Personally, my family has had a history of certain cancers, so I know I'll be stocking up on these things myself.

All I really know about cholesterol is that it shouldn't be too high, at least that's what my doctor says. You can lower your cholesterol with stilbenes, saponins, phytosterols, and organo (or allylic sulfides). These can be found in:

• grapes
• red wine
• nuts and seeds
• acai berries
• alfalfa
• legumes
• onions
• peanuts
• rice bran
• soy
• watercress
• whole grains

There are phytonutrients that can even detox your liver, like limonoids and organo (or allylic sulfides). I'm sure we all know someone who can benefit from this effect. To receive their benefits, be sure to eat :

• broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• cabbage
• cauliflower
• kale
• citrus peel
• garlic
• watercress
• whole grains

Take advantage of the phytonutrient stilbenes to help reduce inflammation. Inflammation isn't a good thing, but it's especially bad for people who suffer from asthma and arthritis. To prevent your condition from getting worse add stilbenes to your diet; they are found in:

• grapes
• nut and seeds
• red wine

Yes, even red wine has its benefits!

Phytonutrients can also neutralize free radicals, in fact, most of them do: anthocyanins/anthocyanidin, carotenoids, catechins, and flavonols. They are present in:

• acai berries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, goji
• apples, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, grapefruit, watermelon, red grapes
• artichoke, beets, carrots, eggplant, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, bell peppers
• black tea, green tea, wine
• cocoa, dark chocolate
• okra, broccoli, garlic, legumes, onions

Free radicals damage the body and can cause disease, illness, and speed up aging. Luckily, that list of foods is pretty big so there are a lot of options for you to get those phytonutrients to help.

Though I specifically mentioned five ways phytonutrients can improve health, there are even more than that.

Due to their numerous health benefits, phytonutrients provide yet another reason you should eat your fruits and veggies. So, when your mom said, "eat your veggies because they'll make you strong," she wasn't lying.