What are phytochemicals and zoochemicals, and why do they matter?

December 19, 2025 •

2 min read

According to research, consuming diets rich in plant and animal-based foods provides health benefits beyond standard nutrients, thanks to natural compounds known as phytochemicals and zoochemicals. These non-essential substances, found in fresh foods rather than processed ones, play a vital role in disease prevention and overall well-being.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the difference between phytochemicals and zoochemicals, detailing their unique sources, specific health benefits, and how to incorporate them into your daily diet for enhanced wellness.

Key Points

Source Differentiation: Phytochemicals are derived from plants, while zoochemicals come from animals.
Bioactive Benefits: Both classes of compounds offer health benefits beyond traditional vitamins and minerals, acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
Dietary Synergy: Consuming a wide variety of whole foods, including both plants and animals, maximizes the beneficial, synergistic effects of these compounds.
Antioxidant Power: Many phytochemicals (e.g., carotenoids, flavonoids) and zoochemicals (e.g., omega-3s) act as antioxidants, protecting against cellular damage and disease.
Chronic Disease Prevention: Regular intake of these compounds through a balanced diet is linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Not Essential but Important: While not essential for immediate survival, phytochemicals and zoochemicals play a critical role in preventative health and long-term well-being.
Color as a Guide: The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables are often visual indicators of high phytochemical content, like anthocyanins in berries.

Understanding the Fundamentals: What are phytochemicals and zoochemicals?

Beyond macronutrients and micronutrients, nutrition includes beneficial compounds like phytochemicals and zoochemicals. Phytochemicals come from plants, giving them color and offering protective properties against environmental threats. Zoochemicals are found in animal sources. While not essential for survival, both provide health benefits.

The Colorful World of Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are a diverse group found in various plant foods. They are often categorized by their chemical structures and functions.

Key categories of phytochemicals

Carotenoids: Found in colorful foods like carrots and tomatoes, these are antioxidants promoting eye and heart health.
Flavonoids: Abundant in berries and tea, these offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Glucosinolates: Present in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, these may have cancer-protective effects.
Phenolic Compounds: Found in herbs, spices, and grapes, they provide antioxidant effects.

The Animal-Based Counterparts: Zoochemicals

Zoochemicals are less widely discussed but also offer significant health advantages from animal sources.

Key examples of zoochemicals

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, they are known for anti-inflammatory effects and benefits for heart and brain health.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Present in beef and dairy, CLA is studied for potential protective effects and benefits for body composition.
Creatine: Found in meat and fish, it's important for cellular energy.

Comparison: Phytochemicals vs. Zoochemicals


Feature	Phytochemicals	Zoochemicals
Source	Plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, grains)	Animal-based foods (fish, meat, dairy)
Function in Source	Protects plants from environmental damage and predators	Natural compounds with health benefits for the animal itself
Typical Benefits	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective	Anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, potential anti-cancer properties
Key Examples	Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Resveratrol, Glucosinolates	Omega-3s, CLA, Creatine, Carotenoids (in egg yolk)
Combined Presence	Some compounds, like certain carotenoids (e.g., lutein and zeaxanthin), can be found in both plant (kale, corn) and animal (egg yolks) sources.	Some compounds, like certain carotenoids (e.g., lutein and zeaxanthin), can be found in both plant (kale, corn) and animal (egg yolks) sources.

Synergistic Effects and Dietary Importance

Maximizing the benefits of these compounds comes from a varied whole-foods diet rather than isolated supplements. The interaction between different compounds and other nutrients in food is crucial for absorption and effectiveness.

How to Increase Your Intake

Focus on incorporating a wide range of colorful fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, and lean meats into your diet to naturally boost your intake of both phytochemicals and zoochemicals.

Conclusion

Phytochemicals and zoochemicals are valuable bioactive compounds found in whole foods. Understanding their sources and benefits highlights the importance of a diverse diet from both plant and animal sources for long-term health and disease prevention. These compounds are key allies in maintaining well-being. To learn more about bioactive food components, visit the Linus Pauling Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in their source: phytochemicals originate from plants (like fruits, vegetables, and grains), whereas zoochemicals are derived from animal sources (such as meat, fish, and dairy).

No, they are not classified as essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, or carbohydrates. However, they are highly valued for their health-promoting effects and their role in preventing chronic diseases.

Supplementation is not typically necessary for healthy individuals. A balanced and varied diet rich in whole foods, both plant and animal-based, is the best and most effective way to obtain a wide array of phytochemicals and zoochemicals.

Yes, in some cases. Certain compounds can be found in both plant and animal sources. A good example is the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in leafy green vegetables (phytochemicals) and egg yolks (zoochemicals).

A simple approach is to "eat the rainbow." By consuming a wide variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, you naturally increase your intake of diverse phytochemicals, as different colors often correspond to different compounds.

Common examples of zoochemicals include Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), found in beef and dairy products.

Yes, cooking can affect these compounds. For example, some fat-soluble phytochemicals like lycopene are better absorbed when heated with a source of fat. However, excessive cooking can also degrade certain heat-sensitive compounds.