Phytochemicals - Food Nutrition Facts

Phytochemicals or phytonutritents – these are chemicals known to provide health to our cardiovascular and immune system. They work as antioxidants by regulating the oxidizing effects of other substances. These are colored chemicals available in colored vegetables and fruits.

Food Nutrition Facts - Phytochemicals in Fruits & Vegetables

Capsaicinoids – all types of capsicums, bell peppers and chili peppers. Useful in pain relief and in cancer prevention.

Lycopene – found in for example apples, tomatoes, watermelon. Lycopene are red carotenoids that prevent prostate cancer.

Flavonoids – berries, herbs, grapes and many kinds of vegetables. It is a general antioxidant and prevents heart disease.

Isoflavones – found in red clover. Otherwise phytoestrogen is also found in flax seeds - also called linseeds. And of course soybeans. Prevents cancer and is good for the heart. Also eases symptoms of menopause.

Isothiocyanates – cruciferous vegetables. Isothiocyanates prevents cancer.

Monoterpenes – present in citrus peels, herbs, spices etc. Prevents cancers and treats gallstones.

Organosulfur compounds – these are available in chives, garlic and onions. Organosulfur compounds assist our immune systems.

Saponins – found in peas and herbs. Also in non veggie sources such as legumes, soybeans for example. Regulates cholesterol levels and helpful in hyperglycemia, also help in cancer prevention.

Zeaxanthin – yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. Zeaxathin are yellow carotenoids that prevent many age related degenerations.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic Nutrients

And we end with the basic nutrients we can find in fruits and veggies: carbohydrates, fiber and proteins.

Food Nutrition Facts - basic nutrients in Fruits & Vegetables

Carbohydrates – can be found in almost every food. Fruits are especially rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates produces all the energy required.

Fiber - Fiber is found in all fruits and vegetables. One example of a high-fiber fruits is the pineapple. In apples and many other fruits and vegetables, most of the fiber as well as the healthy phytochemicals sits in the peel, so it is good to eat organic fruits and vegetables that you don't need to peel.

Protein – there are proteins in all foods. Including fruits and vegetables.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

References:

http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/minerals-nutrition-chart.html

http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/minerals/copper.html

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/cancer-linked-to-our-food/story-e6frf7jo-1225864245531 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selenium

Click here to go back to Food Nutrition Facts Page 1

OR

Click here for the Nutrition Facts Home Page

Comments