Phytonutrients

Morning dearest people, I welcome you all to another episode of FNH article, we shall take a look at a topic titled. "PHYTONUTRIENTS".

What is PHYTONUTRIENT?

Phytonutrients are chemical compounds produced by plants generally to helps them thrive competitions, predators or pathogens. They are non-essential nutrient, meaning that they are not required by the human body for sustaining life.it is well known that plant produce these chemicals to protect themselves but recent research demonstrated that they can also protect humans against diseases.

  Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals are chemicals produced by plants. Mostly phytochemicals have antioxidant activities and protect our cells against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

 

 Phytonutrients with antioxidant activity include

_ Allysufider in onions, leeks, garlic

_ Carotenoids in fruits, carotin

_ Flavonoid in fruits and vegetables

_ Polyphenols in tea & grapes

_ Cacumin in turmeric

 Antioxidants are substances that helps fight the harmful effects of unstable molecules in the body called free radicals. Phytonutrients sources and effects certain phytochemicals classified as isoflavones and lignans may have effect on our body similar to the hormone estrogen according to the ACS, for that reason they are also sometimes classified as phytoestrogens.

 Various forms of these substances in food such as Soybeans, licorice, garbanzo beans, whole grains and flaxseed. Some phytochemicals belonging to the Flavonoid group have antioxidant properties including substances found in Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, grapes, radishes and red cabbage. Phytochemicals found in food such as squash and carrots may have cancer fighting properties.

Benefits of Phytonutrients

1. It Promotes health.

2. It slows the aging process and lowers the cancer risk.

3. It reduces the risk of heart disease

Aanuoluwapo Ruth Adisa.

Food, Nutrients & Health

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References

https:// www.researchgate.net

Understanding of Food and nutrition by James A. Avalanches