Category: Phytonutrients

Multiple in vitro studies have demonstrated that betalains are highly effective at scavenging free radicals, sometimes outperforming common antioxidants like vitamin C. These vibrant, nitrogen-containing pigments are found in plants like beetroot and prickly pear and are associated with a variety of impressive health benefits.

Celery is composed of approximately 95% water, but it is the remaining 5% that contains its potent health-promoting compounds. Rather than a single active ingredient in celery, its numerous benefits come from a synergistic blend of phytochemicals, including unique phthalides and flavonoids.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most Americans fall short of the recommended daily vegetable intake, missing out on crucial phytonutrients. Understanding what are the phytonutrients in green foods can unlock powerful benefits for your long-term wellness and disease prevention.

Over 5,000 known phytonutrients exist, but many green ones are behind some of the most profound health benefits associated with a plant-rich diet. Green phytonutrients are bioactive compounds found in green fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties.

Naturally produced during the digestion of certain plant compounds, diindolylmethane (DIM) is a bioactive chemical that has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits. This powerful phytonutrient is not directly present in food but is a metabolite of another compound found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables.

With over 400 natural compounds, ginger is a widely used spice and folk remedy. The question of whether **ginger is a phytonutrient** is key to understanding its therapeutic effects, which are primarily attributed to these bioactive compounds, rather than traditional vitamins and minerals.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet rich in plant-based foods is linked to lower rates of certain cancers and chronic diseases, largely due to phytochemicals. Deciding which food choice would provide the most phytochemicals can be challenging, as different plants offer a wide array of these beneficial compounds.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, phytochemicals are bioactive non-nutrient plant compounds that offer numerous health benefits beyond simple nutrition. A varied and colorful plant-based diet is the most assured way to consume phytochemicals, leveraging their synergistic effects within whole foods.

Bananas are the fifth most cultivated agricultural crop globally, a staple food consumed for energy and its rich nutrient profile. But beyond their vitamins and minerals, do bananas have phytonutrients? Yes, this popular fruit is a significant source of beneficial bioactive plant compounds.

With more than 10,000 flavonoid compounds identified in plants, it is understandable that there is confusion surrounding their terminology. A common point of confusion is, 'What is the difference between flavonoids and bioflavonoids?,' but in scientific and nutritional contexts, these terms are now considered interchangeable.