Phytochemicals And Their Positive Impact On Diet
Food sources with detoxifying compounds
If the word "phytochemicals" is new to your vocabulary, don't sweat it. While you may not have known this term, changes are these plant-powered compounds are already a major part of your life.
In a recent video podcast, Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. William Li, discussed how the right foods can enhance your body's natural detoxification and healing centers. Part of this discussion centered around phytochemicals and the role they play in your body.
These natural compounds are found in fruits and veggies and boost your immune system while helping to protect against chronic disease.
In this article we're going to learn about a few different types of these important compounds and what foods you'll find them in.
Flavonoids: Found in everything from coffee beans to berries, these guys are your body's personal cheerleaders. They boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even help to regulate blood sugar.
Carotenoids: These are your vision's best friend. Found in colorful fruits and veggies like carrots and spinach, they help protect your eyes from damage and keep them sparkling bright.
Sulforaphane: This powerhouse, found in broccoli sprouts, is like a bodyguard for your cells, protecting them from harm and even potentially warding off cancer.
Resveratrol: This longevity superstar, found in grapes and berries, is incredibly supportive for your heart, helping to keep it healthy and strong.
Curcumin: This golden spice, found in turmeric, is a master of fighting inflammation. It helps soothe aches and pains and potentially even protect against chronic diseases.
These are just a few of the incredible phytochemicals found in plant-based foods.
If you get one takeaway from this article, make it this: a variety of veggies eaten every day goes a long way in keeping your body working at its prime.
By filling your plate with a rainbow of colors, you're not just enjoying a delicious meal, you're also giving your body a powerful dose of natural medicine.
