What phytonutrients are and where to find them
The plant has phytonutrients that help protect it from the elements. It is possible for phytonutrients to help bolster our health and prevent a variety of health conditions. Many of us don’t get enough phytonutrients in our diet. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys and supplemental data from the United States Department of Agriculture were used to create America’s Phytonutrient Report. According to the report, 8 out of 10 Americans have aphytonutrient gap and only a small percentage are getting the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Government recommended daily intakes are usually the bare minimum we need to maintain good health and often, we need much more than what is recommended, especially if we are dealing with a health problem. You can identify phytonutrients by their colors. In this post, I will explain the health benefits of some of the common phytonutrients and where you can find them in food.
The health benefits of lycopene include its anti-cancer effects and its impact on cardiovascular diseases. A number of studies show that eating foods with lycopene can help reduce the risk of cancer. Research shows that it may help fight cancer. Lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Tomatoes are one of the primary sources of lycopene, and studies show that it helps to protect the cardiovascular system. Oxidation is a normal process in the body and can lead to many chronic inflammatory conditions and neurological diseases. A primary source of lycopene is tomatoes, but it can also be found in other foods. If you want to boost your lycopene absorption, combine your tomatoes with olive oil, mix lycopene-rich fruits in a smoothie with coconut milk or nut/seed butters, or sprinkle cashews over red bell pepper and cabbage.
Quercetin has health benefits. It is one of the best natural antihistamines and can be helpful during allergy season. Quercetin can protect against cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure and supporting healthy cholesterol levels, protecting the brain from damage that may lead to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and blocking cancer cell growth. Quercetin helps to bind heavy metals to the body so we can excrete them.
Carotene is found in onions, apples, cherries, asparagus, dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, and red wine. There is a lowered risk of inflammation and oxidative stress with the use of the powerful anti-oxidants, beta carotene. It can help protect our skin from UV damage, it can reduce the risk of developing eye diseases, and it can help build bone density. Researchers found that a decreased risk of all-cause mortality was linked to a decreased risk of diet. Bright orange foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, bell peppers, and cantaloupe have high levels of beta-carotene.
Green tea has a wide range of health benefits. It can reduce the risk of breast, skin, lung, and prostate cancers, as well as prevent cardiovascular diseases. It hinders the development of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that include obesity, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Studies show that drinking green tea can lower the risk of osteoporosis. Green tea is the greatest source of EGCG, but you can also find small amounts in other foods.
Wine is a major source of resveratrol, but for daily benefit it is better to consume it from grapes, cranberries, and mulberries.
