Group 7

Have you ever heard the saying “Eat a rainbow”?

Following this advice and eating a variety of colorful plant-

based foods is a great way to benefit from substances called
"Phytochemicals," in addition to a variety of nutrients such as
vitamins, minerals and fiber.
 What are Phytochemicals?
The prefix "phyto" means "plant", and phytochemicals are plant-
derived chemicals with bioactive properties (that is to say, they are
natural chemicals with specific effects on health). Phytochemicals
are found in all plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes,
nuts, grains, tea, wine, spices, and more. Phytochemicals are
protective for plants against ultraviolet light, predators, insects, and
disease. Many phytochemicals also act as pigments and give fruits
and vegetables their varied and bright hues.
 Phytochemicals are the desired area of study in
medical and nutritional science because many of
them have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic,
neuroprotective, or anti-inflammatory properties. The
phytochemicals definition will be discussed in detail
in the following sections.
Phytonutrients: Definition and Other Terminology

Phytonutrients are phytochemicals that have known or suspected

beneficial properties to health. So, think of phytochemicals as a
general category encompassing all bioactive plant-based chemicals
(whether beneficial to health or not) and phytonutrients as a specific
category encompassing bioactive plant-based chemicals with
benefits to health.
• It is important to clarify that phytonutrients are not essential
nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are
called essential because they are required for basic biological
function and are critical for survival. Lack of essential nutrients
causes deficiency-based diseases that can be severe or fatal. If
vitamin C is removed from the diet, for instance, deficiency
causes scurvy. If thiamine is removed, deficiency causes
beriberi. No phytochemicals are essential, but they certainly can
be protective against some diseases and enhance health and
wellness.
• When phytonutrients are extracted in a lab and put into
supplement form, they are called nutraceuticals. All
phytonutrients can potentially become nutraceuticals, but
not all nutraceuticals are phytochemicals. For example,
probiotics, those good bacteria that help the gut stay
healthy, can also be classified as nutraceuticals.
 DEFINITION OF
PHYTOCHEMICALS
• Plants use phytochemicals as a defense against potential threats which may
include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When we consume these plants as fruits
and vegetables, these defenses are passed along to us in order to fight off threats
to our health. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain the highest
concentrations of phytochemicals, and may help us fight off diseases such as
cancer and heart disease.
• While hundreds of phytochemicals have been identified, research on this
subject is still in the early stages. It is currently hypothesized that
phytochemicals interfere with the processes that cause chronic diseases. For
example, phytochemicals may prevent carcinogens, which are cancer-causing
agents, from forming.
While hundreds of phytochemicals have been identified,
research on this subject is still in the early stages. It is
currently hypothesized that phytochemicals interfere
with the processes that cause chronic diseases. For
example, phytochemicals may prevent carcinogens,
which are cancer-causing agents, from forming.
THE TWELVE MAJOR CLASSIFICATION OF
PHYTOCHEMICALS ARE

Polyphenols Polyacetylenes
Allium compounds
Carotenoids Chlorophyll
Glucosinolates Capsaicinoids
Betalains
Polysaccharides
Lectins
Terpenes
Alkaloids
Types of Phytochemicals
Carotenoids
You may have heard of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
They’re all types of carotenoids. Carotenoids inhibit cancer growth,
improve immunity, support vision and promote skin health. They can be
found in broccoli, carrots, cooked tomatoes, leafy greens, sweet potatoes,
winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe, oranges and watermelons.
Flavonoids
Anthocyanins, quercetin and catechins are all types of flavonoids. They
inhibit tumor growth, reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Apples,
onions, soybeans, coffee, tea and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are
all sources of flavonoids.
Indoles and glucosinolates
Indoles and glucosinolates, like other phytochemicals, can help lower your
cancer risk. They are known to prevent tumor growth and decrease production
of cancer-related hormones. They can be found in broccoli, cabbage, kale,
cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Inositol
Phytic acid is a type of inositol. Inositols prevent cell damage and can be
found in bran from corn, oats, rice, rye and wheat, as well as nuts and
soybeans.
“Remember, phytochemicals aren’t just found in vegetables and fruits.
They’re found in all plant foods,” Wohlford says.
Isoflavones
Like indoles and glucosinolates, isoflavones inhibit tumor growth and limit
the production of cancer-related hormones. They’re typically found in
soybeans and other soy products.

Polyphenols
Ellagic acid and resveratrol are two types of polyphenols. They can prevent
cancer formation and inflammation. They’re typically found in green tea,
grapes, wine, berries, citrus fruits, apples, whole grains and peanuts.
Potential benefits of Phytochemicals
include
 • Strengthening the immune system
 • Reducing inflammation
 • Preventing DNA damage and helping.
DNA repair
 • Slowing cancer cell growth
 • Regulating hormones
 • Preventing damaged cells from
reproducing