(phyto = plant in Greek) , are organic compounds of the plant that are found in food .
It is estimated that in nature there are more than 30 thousand phytonutrients, but until now have been isolated and identified only a thousand.
In nature help to give color and flavor to the plants, and to protect them from
the environmental adversity during the growth. Eating foods that contain it , the man has the opportunity to benefit from the positive effects contained in these substances :
White color, there are foods such as onions , garlic , fennel , cauliflower .They are useful for preventing and combating hypercholesterolemia .
Yellow / Orange, the color of the carrots , oranges, peppers, peaches;that foods are helpful in strengthening the immune system.
Red, in this group the foods such as tomatoes , cherries , strawberries , radishes , apples ,
help to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer , and to fight free radicals.
Green like salad , spinach, broccoli , zucchini, asparagus , peas,
are useful for the prevention of cancer and for the good health of eyes, teeth, bones and blood vessels.
Blue / Purple , this category includes foods such as eggplant, berries , grapes , figs,
that help in the prevention of cancers and cardiovascular diseases , and allow the skin to stay young longer.
Phytonutrients are very useful to keep the body in good health and to combat free radicals,
to protect the cells from the toxic free radicals ,which determines the so-called oxidative stress, modulating the immune system, and reducing cardiovascular risk.
It’s , also demonstrated in rigorous epidemiological studies that consumption of fruit and
vegetables, with combined contribution of vitamins, fiber and phytonutrients, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancers . Experts say that the lack of these elements can be at the origin of the cell damage , premature aging and many types of diseases.
In fruits and vegetables are also contained micronutrients , such as vitamins and minerals , which are essential for many essential functions. The maximum effectiveness is derived from the combination of phytonutrients. An emblematic example is the content of “resveratrol” in grape skins that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant function
on the endothelium ( the tissue that lines the inner surface of blood vessels, and lymphatics of the heart) , leading to a reduction in cardiovascular risk .
Lipids and sterols of wheat, rice, soybeans act to keep cholesterol under control .
Some phytonutrients prevent the formation of carcinogens , while others maintain the production of enzymes who neutralize and eliminate the malignant mutations , before these formed. Someone can prevent the interaction of carcinogenic hormones with the cell. This help to avoid forming the capillaries ,cutting the supply of oxygen and food , preventing the tumor development
Once you have cleared the many benefits of phytonutrients, begins to wonder if consume enough fruit and vegetable during the day , alternating the different types and colors. If you think not, it’s definitely time to start doing it , especially if you’re following a weight loss diet and you want to not only lose weight , but also have a healthy body , strong and full of energy.
Athletes and students have a greater need of phytonutrients and particularly the antioxidant and anti- inflammatory ; fruits whits blue / purple color seem to have also a positive effect on cognitive function.
It is estimated that only 20 % of people can assume at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables every day and to vary ( as much as possible ) the colors , and as we know , the daily frenzy is the main motivation.For this reason, the food supplements containing phytonutrients may play an important role in modern alimentation going to supplement a diet often too low in fruits and vegetables , or just balanced it.
Moreover , as already mentioned above , some conditions such as the sports activities increase the requirements of phytonutrients and require therefore supplementation .