Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are commonly produced by a variety of plants in order to stay healthy. Some phytonutrients act as a natural defense against insects, other phytochemicals have been shown to protect the plant from radiation caused from UV rays. Recent studies have shown phytonutrients to offer benefits to those who eat phytonutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes along with a large variety of spices.
Health Benefits of Phytonutrients
Researchers have taken a deeper look at phytonutrients and found they have anti-inflammatory properties, and work as an antioxidant in the body. Clinical studies have suggested that phytonutrients may enhance immune response and intercellular communication, which plays an important role when it comes to cell growth, and functionality is crucial for every day activities.
Furthermore phytonutrients can be used to repair damaged DNA, detoxify carcinogens from the body and alter estrogen metabolism.
In 2018 integrative medicine Dr. Heather Auld said “phytonutrients supply all the minerals and vitamins our bodies need”
There are various foods that many of us consume daily that contain phytonutrients such as tomatoes, carrots, red peppers, dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, lettuce, phytonutrients can also be found in a variety of onions, chives, garlic and leeks.
Since phytonutrients are entirely natural products, they appear to be quite promising in the medicinal field being that they do not possess the side effects that can be caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Toting a tremendous number of abilities including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, analgesic, anti-cancer, antispasmodic, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-allergenic effects. Ellagic acid, resveratrol, flavonoids, and glucosinolates are all considered common phytonutrients.
The Role of Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients play a key role in our bodies by maintaining immune functions that can prevent a variety of diseases and disorders, phytonutrients are naturally occuring and host no side effects like others over the counter medicine can sometimes do, so with time people have phytonutrients as an alternative medicine.
Phytonutrients have been shown to improve overall human health, they play a “pharmacological” role as antioxidants, offering anti-aging properties, anti-allergy, and neuro protection. Ellagic acid, resveratrol, flavonoids, glucosinolates are all considered common phytonutrients.
