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Define Phytonutrient

Phytonutrients are plant compounds with properties that are believed to protect health. According to Medicinenet.com, they are also known as phytochemicals.

  1. Classes

    • Phytonutrients exist in a wide variety of classes, including carotenoids, terpenes, limonoids and phytosterols.

    Sources of Phytonutrients

    • According to WebMD, phytonutrients are found in many kinds of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, pumpkin, watermelon, apricot, kale, spinach, turnip greens, pink grapefruit, guava, sweet potato, broccoli, eggs, peaches, citrus and tomato products.

    Benefits

    • Phytonutrients are believed to function as antioxidants, and augment the immune system's response and communication between cells. They are also believed to modify the metabolizing of estrogen, remove toxins from carcinogens and kill cancer cells.

    Additional Effects

    • Phytonutrients are also theoretically believed to repair damage to RNA molecules caused by smoking, and to metabolize vitamin A.

    Population Studies

    • Population studies establish a relationship between eating fruits and vegetables and reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases such as heart disease, macular degeneration and certain types of cancer.

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