Phytochemicals are chemicals produced by plants that affect health, but are
not essential nutrients. Up until recently, there was not enough evidence to
support the idea that phytochemicals produced health benefits in diets that
consist of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. Diets rich in
phytochemicals reduce the risk of various types of cancer, heart
disease, as well as other illnesses such as diabetes and
hypertension. According to Dr. Little-White at http://jamaicagleaner.com/gleaner/20111020/cook/cook3.html, "add phytofoods to
your diet and experience renewed health in your life.”
Some phytochemicals and their sources are:
Phytochemical
|
source
|
Flavonoids
|
citrus fruits, cranberries,
|
|
chives,
parsley, tomato, apricot
|
Carotenoids
|
carrots,
pumpkins, maize, tangerine, orange, eggs, red pepper, pumpkin, mango, papaya
|
Monoterpenes
|
rosemary,
ginger, basil
|
Phenolic acids
|
mango,
strawberries, chilli peppers
|
Hydroxycinnamic acids
|
aloe vera, thyme,
pineapple, coffee,
|
Lignans (phytoestrogens)
|
blackcurrants, broccoli, carrots.
|
Tyrosol esters
|
Olive oil
|
References
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals.htmlhttp://www.naturalnews.com/032463_phytochemicals_health_benefits.html#ixzz1benzeHCn