Phytochemicals
(From AI Overview by Google)
Phytochemical is a collective term for plant chemicals with varied structure and function. In plants, they may serve different functions for protection and reproduction, such as color and odor for protection and insect attraction for pollination, phytoalexins for pathogen defense, hormonal functions for growth and signaling, antifeedants and toxins for insect protection, and allelochemicals for defense against herbivory.
Phytochemicals may have biological activity when consumed by humans. The most common sources of phytochemicals are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and other plant foods. Many of the phytochemicals found in plant foods have been linked with reducing risk of noncommunicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Bioactive phytochemicals have been extensively studied in the last two decades using in vitro and in vivo models, which have provided important insights into structure-function effects potentially responsible for disease risk reduction. Accordingly, heightened interest in understanding the effects of food processing on chemical structures with health-promoting value has spurred research in recent years.
Major Types and Food Sources
(Heavily from AI Overview by Google)
- Carotenoids Orange, red, and yellow pigments (such as beta-carotene in carrots and lycopene in tomatoes) that support eye health and immune function.
- Flavonoids Polyphenols found in berries, dark chocolate, tea, and red wine that offer anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
- Glucosinolates Sulfur-containing compounds found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale that assist in cellular detoxification.
- Phytoestrogens Plant-based compounds found in soybeans and flaxseeds that mimic or modulate estrogen pathways.
Health Benefits
- Antioxidant Action Neutralize unstable free radicals that cause cellular and DNA damage.
- Disease Prevention Associated with lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Immune Support Modulate inflammatory responses and enhance overall physiological resilience.