What are Phytochemicals and how do they relate to your good health?  Simply put, phytochemicals are chemical substances in plant foods, some of which perform important functions in your body; they are the energy pulse behind the foods you eat.  Zoochemicals are chemical substances in animal foods, some of which perform important functions in your body.

What are phytochemicals in relation to food? Consider the following quote then look for the following phytochemicals in your foods to serve a wide variety of health benefits to you and your family:

“Things don’t happen by accident in nature.  If you observe it, it has a reason for being there”  – Norman Krinsky, Tufts University Medical Centre

• Flavonoids: As well as being powerful antioxidants, flavonoids are the nutrients that provide the color of many fruits and vegetables.  Flavonoids help to increase “good cholesterol” levels while helping to decrease plaque formation in your arteries.  Flavonoids assist in decreasing damage to any of your cells that have the potential to lead to cancer.  Excellent sources of flavonoids include berries, grapes, apples, green and black tea, soy, buckwheat, parsley, dark chocolate, celery and onions and red wine.
• Carotenoids:  carotenoids are strong antioxidants.  Great sources for your good health are the colorful red, yellow, orange and dark green vegetables and fruits.  There are at least 20 types of carotenoids in an orange.  Carotenoids neutralize oxidation reactions that can damage eyes and promote macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Lignans: You will find an extremely rich source of this phytochemical in flaxseed oil.  In your gut, lignans will convert to substances that may be beneficial in the fight against breast cancer.  Soybeans, soy food, chickpeas, peas, peanuts and other dried beans are also a good source.
• Plant stanols and sterols:  You will find these substances in vegetable oils.  If lowering cholesterol is important to you then you will want these in your diet as they block cholesterol absorption.
• Phytoestrogens:  Plant chemicals known as plant estrogens, isoflavones, genistein, daidzein and lignans.  Get your daily dose of these by consuming soybeans, soy food, chickpeas, peas and peanuts.  Phytoestrogens may decrease the rist of some cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis.  If decreasing menopausal symptoms is important to you then add these to your diet.
• Saponins:  Enzymes that are capable of causing cancer in the intestines may be rendered inactive by this phytochemical.   To get the benefit of this phytochemical include whole grains, celery, soybeans, green and black tea, grapes and apples, strawberries and red wine in your diet.
• Terpenes:  If you are looking for more cancer fighting properties then choose these phytochemicals.  They may diminish the growth of tumors while they help your body remove carcinogens.  Terpenes can be found in lemons, grapefruit, oranges and their juices.
• Indoles and Isothiocynate:  These are phytochemicals that also have a role in the prevention of cancer.  A sulphur-containing compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) works as a strong antioxidant thereby protecting your cells.  This phytochemical protects your body from the carcinogenic effect of pesticides and other harmful toxins.  Research indicates I3C is one of the most powerful due to its ability to protect you against several types of cancer   Choose the cruciferous vegetables; broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and kohlrabi for great sources of more than a dozen potent nutrients including I3C. 
• Allicin:  This phytochemical can be obtained from garlic, onions, leeks and shallots.  Garlic is a powerful antioxidant that, on average, provides health benefits with as little as one half of a clove of garlic daily.   Many believe that allicin will hinder the duplication of cancer cells while decreasing cholesterol production in your body.   For many years garlic has been used to treat colds and to fight infections as well as to rid your body of parasites.  Don’t feel like cooking?  Try pressed garlic chased with a glass of milk.

Be wise and benefit from these phytochemicals.   Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other plant foods should be a major part of your diet – and don’t forget to indulge in the dark chocolate that contains flavonoids.  While you are at it, have a nice cup of tea and benefit from some saponins. 

What are phytochemicals going to do for you and your family?

• They are your back-up in helping to keep your immune system strong;
• They will help protect you and your family from disease;
• They will assist you in working toward and maintaining your optimal state of health.

Tags: Allicin, antioxidants, Carotenoids, flavonoids, immune system, Indoles and Isothiocynate, Lignans, Phytochemicals, Phytoestogens, Phytoestrogens, Plant Stanols And Sterols, Saponins, Terpenes, What Are Phytochemicals, Zoochemicals