Plant foods contain thousands of natural chemicals and bioactive compounds. These plant-produced phytochemicals are generated in response to environmental changes. In reality, they serve as pollinator attractants or serve as defenses against pest attacks, microbial contamination, fungal growth, and other dangers like exposure to UV light or other pressures. Also, these organic substances help give plants and food their attractive colors, delectable flavors, and aromas.
These bioactive substances, also known as phytochemicals or phytonutrients, are acknowledged to have potential benefits for human nutrition and health. “Phyto” refers to the Greek word for plant. Hence, phytonutrients are “Non-Nutrient” substances because they do not provide humans with energy like carbs, lipids, and protein do. Also, they don’t provide our body with any vitamins or minerals. In fact, they are typically found in our diet through the intake of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, whole grains, nuts, beans, herbs, spices, tea, and coffee.
Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated a correlation between increased plant product intake and a reduced risk of mortality and chronic disease, supporting the important protective activities of antioxidants. Plant-based diets offer phytonutrients, which may also help maintain good health by acting as anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic agents in addition to their antioxidant action.
In addition to carotenoids, indoles, glucosinolates, organosulfur compounds, phytosterols, polyphenols, and saponins, phytonutrients also include a variety of other substances. They have a number of functions in your body, including maintaining a healthy immune system, repairing genetic material, and eliminating cancer cells.
