Who would’ve thought that the same things that give plants their vivid colors could also help improve our immune systems? News flash–phytonutrients don’t just give tomatoes their bright red pigment.
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients are yet another thing from plants that can benefit human health. So what are they? WebMD defines phytonutrients as natural chemicals contained in plant foods that “help protect plants from germs, fungi, bugs, and other threats.”
How can phytonutrients benefit me?
Phytonutrients protect and keep plants healthy, but what does that have to do with us? Well, by consuming plant foods, phytonutrients can benefit our bodies as well.
According to healthline, some of the most common phytonutrients are carotenoids, ellagic acid, resveratrol, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and glucosinolates. These phytonutrients enhance things like eye health, immune health, cell communication, and protect against cancer and other diseases.
“Among the benefits of phytonutrients are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities,” provides Jessie Szalay of Live Science. “Phytonutrients may also enhance immunity and intercellular communication, repair DNA damage from exposure to toxins, detoxify carcinogens and alter estrogen metabolism.”
I know I could use some of these benefits, and I’m sure you or someone you know could too.
Where can I get some?
Because phytonutrients are produced by plants, that’s where you can find them. And, by ingesting plant foods, you can receive the benefits of phytonutrients. They can be found in various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, tea, spices, nuts, and beans!
Both healthline and WebMD list the specific phyto-nutrient foods you should consume based on your personal health concerns and predispositions. If you want to lower your risk of certain cancers or improve your eye health be sure to eat pumpkins, carrots, spinach, kale, tomatoes, oranges, yams, strawberries, raspberries, pomegranates, and green tea. If you want some antioxidants, anti-inflammatory foods, or foods that improve blood-flow go for grapes, wine, peanuts, pistachios, onions, and more.
There are really so many options available for you to choose from. Each group of phytonutrients and type of phytonutrient has something it can specifically treat. Time to revise your grocery list if you ask me.
Getting a good amount of phytonutrients every day can be hard. Fruits and vegetables can be expensive, especially if you are trying to get the daily recommended 10 or more servings. Luckily there is a more convenient way to get these nutrients. Balance of Nature is a great way to get a variety of phytonutrients in capsule form, every day!
Do they work?
Yes, they do! Phytonutrients have been proven to improve immune systems in many of the ways discussed above. However, “though population studies demonstrate the effectiveness of a diet full of phytonutrient-rich foods, scientists are still working to understand the specific mechanisms of how phytonutrients work,” Szalay claims. So, although there is still much to learn, there still remains “ample evidence that a diet high in phytonutrient-rich plant foods is good for humans.”
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/phytonutrients-faq#1