Are phytonutrients the same as antioxidants?
Phytonutrients are chemicals produced by plants. Foods with phytonutrients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals, are chemicals produced by plants.
What phytochemicals act as antioxidants?
Polyphenols and carotenoids are the two main kinds of antioxidant phytochemicals, and they contribute the most to the antioxidant properties of foods/plants.
What is food that is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants?
Antioxidants are found in broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, corn, carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes, soybeans, cantaloupe, oranges, spinach, nuts, lettuce, celery, liver, fish oil, seeds, grains, kale, beets, red peppers, potatoes, blueberries, strawberries, and black and green tea.
Are all phytochemicals antioxidants?
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. In laboratory studies, many phytochemicals act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and removing their power to create damage.
What are examples of phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals are a wide variety of nonnutritive chemical compounds found in plant foods, which may have health effects. A few examples of well-known phytochemicals are the flavonoids, phenolic acids, isoflavones, curcumin, isothiocyanates, and carotenoids.
Do all phytochemicals have antioxidant properties?
What are phytochemicals examples?
What are benefits of phytochemicals?
Fruit and vegetables contain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds (phytochemicals) such as phenolics and carotenoids that may help protect cellular systems from oxidative damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
What are two types of phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals under research can be classified into major categories, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, which include phenolic acids, flavonoids, and stilbenes/lignans.
How are antioxidants and phytochemicals used in the body?
Antioxidants protect the body’s cells and tissues from free radicals, which are made when our bodies use oxygen. Free radicals can damage cells, which may lead to cancer. Antioxidants are thought to help protect cells by removing free radicals before they cause damage. Phytochemicals may help reduce the risk of cancer,…
Why is balance between antioxidants and free radicals important?
A balance between antioxidants and free radicals in our body is important for health. If not kept in check, free radicals lead to cell damage linked to a variety of chronic diseases. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.
Are there any vitamins that are not phytochemicals?
While phytochemicals are antioxidants, most of them are not vitamins. However, out of the thousands of phytochemicals known to exist, three of them also function as vitamins. These substances,…
How are phytochemicals help reduce the risk of cancer?
Phytochemicals may help reduce the risk of cancer, but there is still a lot to learn about the activity of phytochemicals and their protective effects. The best way to benefit from different antioxidants and phytochemicals is to eat a variety of vegetables, fruit and grains each day.