You may have encountered this word many times but Phytonutrients are simply nutrients found in plants ( in Greek Etymology, Phyto = Plant ). These organic compounds are the major powerhouses of antioxidants our bodies need in order to stay healthy, active and free from the damages brought about by free radicals and our unhealthy habits.

Phytonutrients also add colors, flavors and scents to your fruits and vegetables, making an interesting array of healthy choices made for our bodies’ healing. The term phytonutrients makes it a better choice than using phytochemicals, especially for people who are shopping for natural, organic products.

What Makes Up a Dose of Phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients from your favorite fruits and veggies are made up of many helpful compounds which promotes a healthy bio-energy for your body. This includes some of the best defenses like Flavanoids, which act as your body’s antioxidant power. It also comes with Carotenoids like Beta-Carotene and Lycopene, both great for your eyes and skin. Cancer-blocking Isothiocyanates can also be found in cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli. It also comes with a heart-friendly Asthaxanthin. The list is long, which varies with each fruit and veggie category. Up to date, more than 100,000 compounds have already been cataloged, with two major classes under: Carotenoids and Flavanoids. The most important thing to remember is that these phytonutrients are different from your traditional nutrients like fat, protein, vitamins and minerals.

What Healthful Benefits will You Get from Phytonutrients?

Public health always advises people to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday. There is a great wisdom behind this. Phytonutrients are quintessential in keeping our bodies fit, especially with today’s demanding lifestyle. These wonder fighters give our bodies an extra defense with its antioxidant powers. Not only will the body’s cells be repaired at a DNA level, but one can notice better immune system, greater energy, increased metabolism and feel detoxified from all those nasty carcinogens eating us from the inside.

Phytonutrients in Powder Form?

Thanks to the advent of nanotechnology, we can get all the nutrients our bodies need from these fruits and vegetables in powder supplement form. Not everyone of us meets our daily serving requirements to get all those healthful benefits. There are green foods offered as powdered mix to any drink, which can give you all of your daily nutritional needs.

What foods are high in Phytonutrients?

You can see the latest ORAC ratings for each fruit and vegetable. Usually, those that are yellow, red and orange contains carotenoids, while legumes are rich in isoflavones. These are some of the foods high in phytonutrients: broccoli, olives, soybeans, berries, tomatoes, green tea, soy, lentil, apple, pear, cantaloupe, cabbage, turnip, garlic, flax seeds, celery, apricot, carrots, onions, spinach and red wine.

Phytonutrients for a Healthy Heart?

The many wonder compounds found in fruits and vegetables are helpful in reducing your risk to hypertension and heart disease. Studies have even shown that Europeans who take a regular glass of red wine with their diet are less likely to have a heart stroke than their American counterparts. Phytonutrients lowers your body’s blood pressure levels and your risk for cardiovascular diseases.

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t eat your dose of healthy fruits and veggies rainbow. Have variety and make sure you get the best nutrient from the vibrant colors of your combo diet.

About the Author:

Alyssa is a Health Care Professional in Hawaii and has a passion for maintaining optimal health through proper nutrition and good food choices. She is a strong believer that – Food is Medicine and Medicine should be your Food – Together with her husband, they operate Fit 4 Maui, a company that provides nutritional superfoods and simple, easy to implement lifelong wellness programs, and NanoGreens is one of the main components of their program. NanoGreens can be purchased direct from the manufacturer at NanoGreens Online. or wholesale at Nano-greens.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Phytonutrients: The Ultimate Fruit and Vegetable Defense

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