Phytonutrients

 
What are phytonutrients and where are they found?

The term "phyto" originated from a Greek word meaning plant. Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants, and these components are thought to promote human health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients. Unlike the traditional nutrients (protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), phytonutrients are not "essential" for life.

 

What are the Major Classes of Phytonutrients?

          Some of the common classes of phytonutrients include:

• Carotenoids
• Flavonoids (Polyphenols) including Isoflavones (Phytoestrogens)
• Inositol Phosphates (Phytates)
• Lignans (Phytoestrogens)
• Isothiocyanates and Indoles
• Phenols and Cyclic Compounds
• Saponins
• Sulfides and Thiols
• Terpenes

 

How do phytonutrients protect against disease?

 

The following are commonly proposed mechanisms by which phytonutrients may protect human health. More research is needed to firmly establish the mechanisms of action of the various phytochemicals.

 

Phytonutrients may:  

 

• enhance immune response
• enhance cell-to-cell communication
• alter estrogen metabolism
• convert to vitamin A (beta-carotene is metabolized to vitamin A)
• cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis)
• repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures
• detoxify carcinogens through the activation of the cytocrome P450 and Phase II enzyme system

• enhance immune response
• enhance cell-to-cell communication
• alter estrogen metabolism
• convert to vitamin A (beta-carotene is metabolized to vitamin A)
• cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis)
• repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures
• detoxify carcinogens through the activation of the cytocrome P450 and Phase II enzyme system

 

For more information see

http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=4142#health