Have you ever heard of the term phytonutrients before? Or do you know anything about phytonutrients benefits? Well, they are natural chemicals or compounds. Plants naturally produce these compounds and have several health benefits.
Phytonutrients are responsible for keeping plants healthy. They also protect the plants from insects and the sun. You can easily find the phytonutrients in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, tea, nuts, beans, spices, etc. These natural compounds also come with several antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help us keep our health intact in the long run.
You will be surprised to know that thousands of phytonutrients are available in plants and other related food items. Let’s be more technical and find out the types of phytonutrients. The most common types of phytonutrients are carotenoids, ellagic acid, resveratrol, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, etc.
Introduction to Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are also referred to as nature’s natural defence. The word “phyto” means plants. The nutrients we receive from plants are phytonutrients.
People often refer to phytonutrients as phytochemicals too. Many phytochemicals have antioxidant properties that can help prevent damage to your body cells. The health benefits of phytochemicals offer protection against heart diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and much more.
What are phytonutrients Benefits?
Antioxidants are the leading reason why phytonutrients are so important. But there are several other reasons why you should consume them on a regular basis too.
Given below are some of the renowned health benefits of phytonutrients.
Carotenoids Benefits
- These compounds are proven to be beneficial for your eyes. The connection between immune health and carotenoids is quite remarkable. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two of the most common carotenoids.
- Both of these compounds are found in our retina. They may help you reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration by almost 45 per cent.
Flavonoids Benefits
- These compounds are essential when it comes to protection against cancer. It may also help you stay safe from various cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids are phytochemicals that promote healthy cell communication too.
- Flavonoids may help you in staying detoxed. It may also help you reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of spreading tumours.
Glucosinolates Benefits
When it comes to glucosinolates, they are quite similar to flavonoids. They may help you prevent the spread of cancer. These compounds are quite easy to find in cruciferous vegetables. Some of the most commonly found cruciferous vegetables are broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, etc. These phytonutrients are effective when it comes to eliminating toxins in the body.
Why are phytonutrients important?
Moving on to the heart of the topic, why are phytonutrients important in the first place? Well, here is everything you need to know about it.
- Phytonutrients play many biological roles in our bodies. They are good for their bioactive functions that may promote health. All of these combined may have a positive effect on your immune system and hormones.
- Phytochemicals are known to act as antiviral agents. Also, their antibacterial properties may help you overcome several health complications and infections.
Rich sources of phytonutrients
- Some several fruits and vegetables help you in consuming enough phytonutrient benefits. It would be best if you aimed to consume more of the red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables.
- Some of the most common food items of these kinds are tomatoes, carrots, peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, and berries as well. You can count on peaches, mangos, melons, citrus fruits, etc. too.
- Other rich sources of phytochemicals are dark green leafy vegetables. In that case, you want to focus more on spinach, kale, bok choy, broccoli, Swiss chard, and romaine lettuce.
- If you prefer eating nuts and seeds, you should eat items like walnuts, almonds, sunflower, sesame and flax seeds daily. Lastly, even dark chocolate is rich in terms of phytonutrients.
Another way to consume enough phytonutrients is by taking reliable healthcare supplements.
Phytonutrients are the key ingredients of Nutriplus DailyHealth. The health supplement also offers you a great number of health benefits. Nutriplus DailyHealth is a health supplement that has blue-green algae (wild AFA extract). Wild ADA is nature’s superfood. When it comes to healthcare supplements for phytonutrients, I rely on Nutriplus DailyHealth the most.
You can find wild AFA in the pristine environment of Lake Klamath in the United States, and it’s high in naturally accessible vitamins, minerals, trace elements, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and plant pigments. The essential ingredient, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), is one of the most nourishing food items worldwide.
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