Phytonutrients and the role they play in health and diet

Farmer giving box of veg to customer on a sunny day

Have you heard that eating foods with the colors of the rainbow is good for your health? Have you wondered why this may be? The answer is phytonutrients!

Phytonutrients are naturally occurring chemicals that plants produce to protect themselves from sun radiation, cold exposure, insect attacks, etc. When humans consume unprocessed plant foods, phytonutrients within these foods have a beneficial effect in the human body.

In humans, phytonutrients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Phytonutrients enhance immunity, repair DNA from from damage related to exposure to toxins and oxidative stress, help detox carcinogens, and positively affect estrogen metabolism.

To know if you are getting the full medicinal benefits nature is offering through phytonutrients you need to eat the majority of your diet in unprocessed plant foods in all of the colors of the rainbow. This will ensure you are getting a lots of phytonutrients daily, along with the added benefit of micronutrients, macronutrients, and loads of fiber!

Please message me if you would like a list of the most phytonutrient dense foods, or if you would like to learn more about Chinese medicine and functional medicine. I hope to hear from you soon!