Phytonutrient Definition, Sources, Types, Name & Benefits of 12

Phytonutrients

·        What is Phytonutrient?

Phytonutrient comes from a Greek word ‘Phyto’ means – Plant.

So the nutrient present in Plant is called Phytonutrient.

It is produced by plants and provides protection to the plant.

It can be found in Plant or Plant food (Fruits, vegetables, plants).

Phytonutrients have antioxidant properties which help in human body.

Benefits to Plants and Humans

In plants, it provides protection. For e.g., Fruit when attached to the plant is good in texture and as soon as, plucked from plant, starts to spoil.

It is because the plant was providing protection to it, and the thing that provide protection is Phytonutrient.

Same is in the case of any leaf, if you pluck it, it starts to decay because now it is not getting any kind of protection.

In Humans, Phytonutrient works at the cellular level, and has antioxidant property to cure and prevent any types of problem. It is also suggested to eat fresh fruit and vegetables because that contains phytonutrient too. Phytonutrient enhances/doubles the effect of Vitamin and Minerals in our body.

Types of Phytonutrients

There are many types of phytonutrient and can be consumed from different sources. If we talk in a simple manner then, we can also divide these on the basis of their color.

There are normally 5 types of phytonutrients (in respect to their colors.)

       1. Red Color – They are good for Heart Health

      2. Yellow & Orange – They are good for Vision Health

           3.  Purple – They are good for Brain Health

      4. White – They are good for Bones Health; some are good for 
           Heart also.

      5. Green – They are good for Cellular Growth of body.

Sources

     1) Red Color Sources

   Apple, Cherries, Cranberries, Red Grapes, Red Grapefruits, 
   Pomegranate, Raspberries, Strawberries, Watermelons, 
   Red onions, Radish, Tomatoes, Beetroot etc.

     2)Yellow & Orange color sources

    Lemons, Pineapple, Banana, Pear, Corn, Papaya, Mango, Oranges,
    Carrots, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes, Peaches, Apricot etc.

     3) Purple color Sources

    Blackberries, Blueberries, Purple Grapes, Brinjal, Black 
    currants etc.

     4) White color sources

    Cauliflower, Mushrooms, Garlic, Potatoes, Ginger, Onions, 
    White Radish etc.

     5) Green color sources

   Avocado, Green Grapes, Kiwi, Broccoli, Cabbage, Green Beans, 

   Cucumber, Spinach, Peas etc.

Know about Nutrition, Bad Source of Nutrition, Traditional Ayurveda Herbs, Protein here...

Names of few Phytonutrients & its Benefits: -

All phytonutrients work on cellular level, different ones can give different or same effect on humans.

     1.     Beta-carotene – Cellular Growth & Repair, etc. 

     2.     Theaflavins – Removes extra stored cholesterol from blood vessels, etc.

     3.     Catechin – Increases the metabolism, etc.

     4.     Isoflavone - Protection against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, etc.

     5.     Elagic – acts as defense mechanism against infection and pests, etc.

     6.     Boswellia - Reduces inflammation in joints problem, etc.

     7.     Bromelian – Reduces pain in joints problem, etc.

     8.     Acerola cherry - Boost immunity, cellular protection, etc.

     9.     Citrus bioflavonoid – Blood circulation, act against allergies, 
           viruses, arthritis, other inflammatory conditions, etc.

    10.  Allicin – Boost immune, Aids in Blood thinning (helping in 
          reducing blood pressure), prevents Alzheimer Disease etc.

    11.   Blackcurrant – Metabolize protein, helps in collagen formation,
          aids in functioning of neural nerve (eyes to brain) etc.
12. Lycopene  - Supports in healthy DNA structure.

We can get above phytonutrient from the sources above mentioned but there is one constraint to it. Let’s discuss that: -

Time Constraint

We have discussed above that fruits and vegetables have phytonutrient in it, but there is a time frame/ or time constraint to it.

It has been observed that fruits and vegetables loose phytonutrients within 24-48hr when plucked out from respective plant.

Now think about it, do we consume fruits and vegetables within 24-48hr?

If your answer is Yes then okay, and now think about supply chain? Any product usually takes 5-7 days from the farm to your home.

If your answer is No then, you know it doesn’t have the nutrient in it.

We eat fruits and vegetables with a mindset that they will provide maximum nutrient to our body, but this is not the reality, in 24-48hrs it is gone!

Solution

There is a way you can get Phytonutrients with all its benefits.

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