Phytonutrients are plant compounds that help protect the plant from adverse situations. Plants are subjected to too much UV radiation, predators, poisons, and pollution, causing them to create harmful free radicals within their cells; these free radicals can bind together and harm the plant’s proteins, cell membranes, and DNA. So what function do phytonutrients play in the human body? They provide similar protection to the body as they do to plants. Read this article to learn some of the health benefits of phytonutrients.
Natural chemicals in plants, known as phytonutrients, support the immune system and basic cellular function. Phytonutrients are the source of more than 40% of modern medicine, including those used to treat respiratory and heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, and various types of cancer. They may also be derived from herbs, spices, and medicinal plants that have played a key role in ancient history in promoting health. Here are some reasons why antioxidant-rich foods should be essential to a healthy long-life diet.
1Assist With Gut/Digestive Functions
Phytonutrients are a type of micronutrient found in plants. They are responsible for the vibrant colors we see in fruits and vegetables. A continued study of their potential health benefits includes assisting with digestive or gut functions, protecting against chronic diseases, and reducing inflammation.
Phytonutrients are non-essential nutrients, meaning they are not required for survival. However, they may help improve overall health and well-being. They are found in a wide variety of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Some phytonutrients, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, are converted into vitamins A and E in the body.
2Prevent Cell Damage
Phytonutrients are plant-based compounds that offer a host of health benefits. Many phytonutrients, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, act as antioxidants, scavenging harmful toxins that can damage cells. In addition, antioxidants have been shown to protect against chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Phytonutrients can also boost the immune system, helping the body fight infections. In addition, some phytonutrients, such as lycopene and lutein, have been shown to promote healthy vision. You can reap these potent compounds’ many health benefits by including phytonutrient-rich foods in your diet.
3Reduce Blood Pressure And Increase Vessel Dilation
Phytonutrients are beneficial to plant compounds that promote human health in several ways. One of the most well-established benefits of phytonutrients is their ability to reduce blood pressure and increase vessel dilation. This effect is due to the ability of phytonutrients to inhibit the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure.
In addition, phytonutrients have also been shown to improve blood flow by increasing the production of nitric oxide, a gas that helps relax and dilate the blood vessels. These effects can have important implications for cardiovascular health. These may help explain why populations who consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
4Improve Vision And Skin Health
Phytonutrients are compounds responsible for many health benefits associated with eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. For example, phytonutrients help improve vision and skin health, two of the most critical aspects of human health. The antioxidants in phytonutrients help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
The carotenoids found in phytonutrients also help improve vision by absorbing light and converting it into electrical impulses sent to the brain. Phytonutrients can also help improve skin health by protecting the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. The flavonoids found in phytonutrients help protect the skin from damage by scavenging free radicals. The polyphenols found in phytonutrients also help protect the skin by reducing inflammation. These are just a few of the health benefits that are associated with phytonutrients.
5Decrease Inflammation And Enhance Immune Support
Phytonutrients are plant-based compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs and help protect plants from pests, disease, and environmental stressors. Phytonutrients are also beneficial for human health and have been shown to reduce inflammation and enhance immune function. Phytonutrients can help protect against chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
They do this by scavenging harmful toxins and free radicals and promoting healthy cell growth. While the body does not require phytonutrients for survival, they can significantly improve overall health and well-being. As such, incorporating foods rich in phytonutrients into the diet is an excellent way to promote good health.
6Decrease LDL Cholesterol
Phytonutrients are one of the many reasons why fruits and vegetables are essential for good health. These natural chemicals help protect plants from disease and pests, and they can also have a positive impact on human health. One of the phytonutrients’ most well-known health benefits is their ability to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is a type of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease.
Numerous studies have shown that phytonutrients can help reduce LDL levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, phytonutrients have also been shown to improve blood sugar control, protect against certain types of cancer, and boost immune system function. Phytonutrients are essential for human health because they protect our cells, similar to how they protect plants. The phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables can help prevent disease and keep us healthy. Therefore, it’s important to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in our diets to ensure that we’re getting the most benefit from these nutrients.
The next time you feel run down or like you might be coming down with something, consider reaching for some phytonutrient-rich food or drink instead of over-the-counter medication. Phytonutrients can bolster your immune system and support primary cellular function. This helps you fight off whatever cold or flu is going around.
We shared some of the phytonutrients’ health benefits in this article. As you can see, these powerful compounds offer a wide range of health benefits. So make sure to include plenty of phytonutrient-rich foods in your diet.
