We now hear the word "phytonutrient" used frequently. What is a phytonutrient, and is it helpful to you? The term "phyto" originated from a Greek word meaning plant. Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants. Fruits, vegetables, berries, grains, legumes, nuts, and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients.
What do phytonutrients do in the body? The following are commonly proposed ways by which phytonutrients may protect our health.
What do phytonutrients do in the body? The following are commonly proposed ways by which phytonutrients may protect our health.
- Serve as antioxidants
- Enhance immune response
- Enhance cell-to-cell communication
- Convert to vitamin A (beta-carotene is metabolized to vitamin A)
- Cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis)
- Repair DNA damage caused by toxic exposures
- Detoxify carcinogens