phytonutrients

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Definition of phytonutrients in English English dictionary

This group of nutritional grass products which includes Wheat Grass, Barley Grass, Alfalfa Grass and Spirulina supplies essential antioxidants and important vitamins, nutrients, minerals and enzymes

phyto is Greek for plant, so phytonutrients are naturally-occurring compounds that contribute to the flavor, color, and disease resistance in plants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes); what plants make primarily to defend themselves; most are antioxidants Benefits include enhancing immunity, strengthening of the heart and blood vessels, and tumor prevention

naturally-occurring compounds found in fruits and vegetables, such as beta carotene, capsaicin, and flavonoids [CUB]

Nutritional substances in foods which act as as important biological response modifiers Examples are carotenoids, the red-orange pigments that give fruits and vegetables their distinctive color Not only are they anti-oxidants that protect the body against the damaging effect of oxygen free radicals, they're also converted by the body to vitamin A, which is used in the immune system as well as to prevent blindness According to Dr Bland, " scientists are recognizing that a great many factors in foods contribute to their ability to act as modifiers of biological function The use of specific whole foods and their concentrates, along with the traditional vitamin and mineral factors, provides a much more powerful influence on normalizing biological function and functional health than the traditional American diet of processed foods with the addition of a simple vitamin/mineral supplement with antioxidants " (The 20-Day Rejuvenation Diet Program, pg 63)

plural of phytonutrient