Phytonutrients could be the key to unlocking your body’s natural ability to heal itself and fight diseases. While you don’t need phytonutrients to the same extent you do vitamins and minerals to stay alive – they are a wonderful gift from nature that helps your body stay healthy. So what are these phytonutrients? Where can you find them?
What Are Phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, are what give plants the ability to ward off germs, fungi, bugs, and other threats. Essentially they make up a plant’s immune system. Here are some foods that are loaded with these phytonutrients:
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Beans
- Tea
According to WebMd, “More than 25,000 phytonutrients are found in plant foods.” That’s like having 25,000 ways to boost your health! When some of these phytonutrients are eaten together or specially prepared (cooked verses raw) they can yield even more benefits. Over the next couple weeks I will be highlighting the six most common phytonutrients and where you can find them. The six most common phytonutrients that are very important building blocks to improving your health are:
- Carotenoids
- Elegiac acid
- Flavonoids
- Resveratrol
- Glucosinolates
- Phytoestrogens
In the Meantime – How Can I Get Phytonutrients?
The best way to ensure you get all the phytonutrients you can is by making your plate a rainbow of color. The more colorful your food combinations the higher likelihood of having an array of healthy phytonutrients. Making sure you have a colorful plate also makes it possible to get a wide variety of essential vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. It can be hard to come up with new recipe ideas – but by applying the ‘rainbow’ rule to your meals you are more likely to check off every box on your plan to healthier eating!
Applications & Resources for Phytonutrients
- Go to WebMD for more on phytonutrients and how you can add them to your diet
- Check out The World’s Healthiest Foods for more tips on healthy living
- Read more about phytonutrients at org
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