Almost Everything You Should Know About Phytonutrients

Plant chemicals are a part of our everyday life, how? Well. They're found in more than just herbs. They're found in fruits, vegetables, our teas, and more! Here's a list of the most known phytonutrients, and almost everything you need to know about them.

Carotenoids 

Carotenoids act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that prevent or slow our body from being damaged from harmful things in our body and help keep unsteady parts of our body stable. And more than 600 carotenoids provide yellow, orange, and red colors!

Ellagic Acid 

Ellagic acid is found in a ton of different types of berries and plant foods! Strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranates are the top foods/fruits that contain ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a natural chemical. It's known to slow the growth of cancer cells and get rid of cancer-causing chemicals. And helps our liver get rid of chemicals that are harmful to our bodies. Although people say, they've only tested this acid on humans in the laboratories. So the health benefits aren't confirmed medically. 

 Lycopene 

This natural chemical gives a pink or red color to fruits like tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Lycopene is also suitable for sun protection and heart health. 

Lutein 

Lutein is a vitamin known as a carotenoid. Lutein is known to help protect us from cataracts. Cataracts are an eye problem. It is known to make you look like you see through a foggy pair of glasses.  

Note: Green vegetables known to have Lycopene and Lutein are- Spinach, Kale, and Collards. 

 Flavonoids

 A lot of phytonutrients fall under the category of flavonoids. Flavonoids are the largest group of phytonutrients. There are more than 6,000 types! Three types of flavonoids are Catechins, Hesperidin, and Flavonols. 

 Catechins

Catechins are good for protecting us from cell damage and also protect us from harmful toxins (Or known as "Free Radicals") that may enter our bodies. These toxins can cause several types of diseases. Green tea is known to contain a somewhat significant amount of catechins. One cup of Green tea is 50–100 mg of catechins! 

  Hesperidin

Hesperidin is good for blood circulation and works as an antioxidant, getting rid of or reducing inflammation. Also, hesperidin is found in citrus fruits. And is known to be good for preventing chronic diseases, allergies, high blood pressure, Hay fever, and hot flashes.

Lastly, Flavonols. Quercetin is a Flavonol; this natural chemical is found in Onions, Apples, Kale, and Berries, Sage, Tea, Olive oil, Grapes, Blueberries, Blackberries, Parsley, Dark Cherries, and so many more fruits and herbs. 

  Resveratrol

Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory. It is also a plant compound found in Grapes, Red Wine, Peanuts, Grape Juice, and some Berries such as Cranberries and Blueberries. Even Cocoa and Dark Chocolate! Its also known to fight against heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, and even radiation. It also protects plants from fungal infections. Studies say it may also extend the life of animals! 

   Glucosinolates

Glucosinolates are a group of plant secondary species with beneficial effects. And are known to give vegetables their loud odor and flavor. Glucosinolates are found in Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Bok Choy, And Collard Greens. These vegetables are known as "Cruciferous Vegetables." When cooking these vegetables and digesting them, the glucosinolates turn into other chemicals known as "Isothiocyanates," which fight against lung cancer.