Phytonutrients
Despite centuries of wisdom proving the critical roles plants play in supporting our health, the majority of active compounds in the plant kingdom remain unexplored - Brightseed
image by: Drew Ramsey, MD
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Phytonutrients can boost your health. Here are 4 and where to find them (including in your next cup of coffee)
Coffee is regularly in the news for its potential health benefits and drawbacks.
A review of the research found drinking a few cups of coffee a day was associated with a lower risk of dying from any cause. Coffee drinkers had a lower risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and prostate, endometrial, liver and skin cancers.
However, the review also found evidence of negative effects related to pregnancy and fracture risk in older women, even after results were adjusted for possible confounding factors, like smoking.
Some of coffee’s positive effects have been attributed to food components…
Resources
The Biggest Plant-Based Eating Myths That Nutritionists Want You To Stop Believing
Adopting a diet rich in natural plant-based foods has an array of benefits for your health as well as the environment. Moreover, "plant-based foods are packed with fiber and phytonutrients that support immunity, combat inflammation and feed the healthy bacteria in your gut"...
Why Fruits and Vegetables May Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
Flavonols, found in fruits and vegetables, were tied to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Easy Ways to Incorporate More Phytochemicals Into Your Diet
Fruits and vegetables as well as other whole foods contain the plant chemicals, which protect against heart disease, cancer, other diseases.
Mmm, Phytonutrients: New Respect for a Humble Juice
Now it appears that parents have been vindicated by new research showing that apples contain more beneficial nutrients than previously thought. The new thinking builds on scientists' growing understanding of the importance of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) in fighting chronic disease and promoting health. While much of the research underscores the importance of eating whole fruit, the findings also rehabilitate apple juice -- particularly the unfiltered kind -- as a source of valuable antioxidant compounds.
Nutrition: Harness the hidden powers of phytonutrients
Plant-based foods can reduce inflammation, improve immune response, decrease oxidative damage to cells, regulate hormones and more.
Phytonutrients 101: A Crash Course in Plant Compounds
A well-rounded diet can provide you with dozens of phytonutrients. And each performs a specialized role in the plants they’re derived from—and in your body. Antioxidant ability is one of the most important functions of phytonutrients.
What Are Phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients … polyphenols … antioxidants … what do all of these terms mean? The term phytonutrients is a broad name for a wide variety of compounds produced by plants. They’re found in fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, and other plants. Each phytonutrient comes from a variety of different plant sources and has different proposed effects on, and benefits for, the body. Some researchers estimate there are up to 4,000 phytonutrients!
Phytonutrients can boost your health. Here are 4 and where to find them (including in your next cup of coffee)
Scientists have identified thousands of phytonutrients in plants including nuts, beans, seeds, vegetables, fruit and grains. Research to identify those with potential for use in disease prevention and treatment is accelerating. Among other phytonutrients with similar anti-inflammatory and protective properties are quercetin and glucosinolate.
Brightseed
Brightseed enables a healthier future by illuminating and activating the connections between people and plants. Despite centuries of wisdom proving the critical roles plants play in supporting our health, the majority of active compounds in the plant kingdom remain unexplored. Our artificial intelligence, Forager®, reveals powerful compounds hidden in nature and our team scientifically validates their impact.
Have a Plant
Help billions of people transform their lifestyles with fruits and vegetables.
Nutrition.gov
Learn more about phytonutrients and how they play a role in your overall health. Vegetables and fruits are rich sources of phytonutrients, including antioxidants.
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