Phytonutrients
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Let's talk PHYTONUTRIENTS!
The buzz around these plant-chemicals has been getting louder and for good reason. But what in the world are they, and why is everyone talking about them?
Now, I'm not a plant-scientist or a nutrition expert, so I'm not going to pretend to know all the things. What I am is super curious and super passionate about the benefits of plants in the human body and on human well-being. And I'm going to do my best to unpack the phytonutrient basics.
Okay, here we go…
We'll start on the nerdy side:
"Phyto" is the Greek word for plant. These phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, are a category unto themselves, separate from vitamins, minerals, carbs, fats, and protein.
They're found in plants and they promote healthy function within the plant—killing germs, deterring bugs, and generally warding off/helping the plant heal from all the things that threaten its well being.
And, it turns out, these plant-nutrients are super beneficial to humans, too.
Now, let's get a little sciencey:
Scientists have identified tens of thousands of phytonutrients. Some of the most common groups of them are carotenoids, curcuminoids, flavenoids—maybe you've heard of some of these—glucosinolates, resveratrol, phytoestrogens. The list goes on and on. And these are just groups.
Then the groups are broken into the specific, individual chemicals. For example, some of the carotenoids are beta-carotene, alphacarotene, lycopene...it's sounding familiar now, isn't it?
It's dizzying, but here's why it matters: Each of these plant-chemicals serves a beneficial purpose in our bodies. Some act as antioxidants. Some are anti-inflammatory. Some improve mitochondrial function. Some are analgesic.
It goes on and on. Just like this post…
So, quickly now, let's get practical:
The phytonutrients are what gives the plant it's color. That means different colored plants offer our bodies different phytonutrients and so, also, different benefits.
To receive the full-spectrum of phyto-benefits (I made that word up just now), we need to eat the full spectrum of colors.
Or, in other words, we need to EAT THE RAINBOW!!!!!
Let’s make sure we get that rainbow of benefits by taking a look at our plates and getting that full spectrum of color each day.