They are also known as phytochemicals.

Let’s break it the word down :

Phyto- means Plant
Nutrients -means Substances that nourish the body.

Putting it together, Phytonutrients are substances created by plants and have nourishing properties.

They are biologically active substances in plants with amazing health promoting activities .

They are responsible for the colour and flavour these plants have.

The interesting thing is that the plants produce them to protect themselves from external attack and end up healing our own bodies!

They play a key role in fighting cancer and other disorders that plague us.

They are the most potent food components that affect our genes on a molecular level. That means they possess Epigenetic properties. They have the ability to affect how our genes express themselves.

They can be found in fruits, vegetables, grains and vegetables.

That is one reason why a high consumption fruit and veg helps protect against cancer (it’s been decades since it was discovered that the risk of cancer is reduced by 50% when compared to non plant eaters).

There are different classes of phytonutrients and here are a few:

📌Allyl sulfudes in garlic and onions :
They improve gene expression for diabetes . The sulphur part is important for insulin function thus controlling blood sugar levels . They improve diabetic gene expressions.

The onion family is very powerful. They include onions, garlic, chives, spring onions, leeks, shallots etc all of which I enjoy

📌Glucarates in citrus, tomatoes and grains improve gene expression for detox, especially Phase-2 of Liver Detox . They have powerful anti-cancer properties. It’s available as a supplement called Ca-D- Glucarate. Glucarate also helps lower bad cholesterol levels too.

📌Phytates in grains and legumes have a powerful cancer effects.

📌Ginger contains GINGEROLS an active PHYTOCHEMICAL which is effective in treating arthritis and other inflammation problems . When combined with CURCUMIN in turmeric they improve gene expression in anti-inflammatory response . This is important in Arthritis.

📌Quercetin found in apples, onions and garlic 🧄 improve gene expression related to allergy and arthritis , improves circulation and has powerful anti-cancer benefits.

📌Bioflavonoids are antioxidants to which quercetin belongs are very important at modifying gene expression. Can be found in celery, parsley, pomegranate etc

📌Indoles which can be found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower increase immune activity.

📌Sulforaphane which can be found in broccoli prevents cancer by activating a group of enzymes that then whisk the carcinogen out of the cell before it can cause any harm.

📌PEITC (PhenylEthylIsoThioCyanate) that can be found in cabbage and turnips has been found to inhibit growth of lung cancer cells in rats.

📌Genistein which can be found in soya beans actually kills tumours preventing them from building their own blood supply . I always recommend consuming only fermented soya because of the GMO aspect of soya. Fermented soya include Miso and Tempeh

Thankfully we can get a lot of them through our diet and they aren’t damaged through cooking. Remember that raw and fresh fruit and veg also supply a lot o vitamins, minerals and antioxidants