Phytonutrients

If you are looking to boost your immune system, then don’t forget add colorful natural plant foods in your diet! There are more than 25,000 phytonutrients are found in plant foods. Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants. They serve various functions in plants, helping to protect the plant’s vitality. Not only do phytonutrients award benefit to the plants but they also provide benefits to those who enjoy plant food. That’s because they have health-promoting properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-health-promoting activities. Phytonutrients can also provide significant health benefits for humans who eat plant foods. Phytonutrient-rich foods include colorful fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, green and herbal tea, whole grains and many spices. They affect human health but are not considered nutrients that are essential for life, like carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Lycopene

Carotenoids

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Resveratrol

Flavanoids

Glucosinolates

Phytoestrogens

Ellagic acid

References:

• www.webmd.com
• http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/
• http://www.topinspired.com/
• http://nationchemistry.com/