Weightloss has many variables - with one of the most important being the quality of food you consume. Learn more about the health giving effects of phytonutrients...
The Role of Phytonutrients within the Body
Phytonutrients are a type of nutrients that help the body in many different ways. These nutrients are derived only from plants. While they are not considered essential like carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and trace minerals, phytonutrients can provide various benefits and even treat various human diseases and improve a person’s overall wellbeing.
The study of phytonutrients is fairly new, although man has been using plants for medical treatments and medications for many centuries already. Through more scientific studies, these nutrients are used to discover new clues in improving one’s health and promoting better quality of life.
Anti-cancer properties
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Phytonutrients are rich in antioxidants, chemicals that prevent the production of free radicals that can be harmful to the body. They also help get rid of agents that help give rise to cancer and coronary heart disease.
Rejuvenating properties
Aside from helping prevent cancers, phytonutrients also help rejuvenate the body organs. This effect can be seen in clear, supple skin, better vision, and healthy nails and hair. They also boost skin rejuvenation, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
Strengthens the immune system
Phytonutrients are also present in herbs and spices, and their flavors have an effect on the human body. One of their outstanding benefits is that they boost the strength of the immune system. With a strong immune system, your body becomes resilient to common illnesses and irritations, such as colds, cough and flu.
Increase metabolism
There are also nutrients under this category that help boost metabolism. Phytonutrients that are found in soybean, strawberries and blueberries help speed up the process of cell absorption, which in turn increase the body’s metabolic rate.
In addition, phytonutrients help burn fat through sweat. As they induce faster metabolism, they likewise aid the muscles in burning fat. Eating a good serving of fruits and vegetables is recommended especially to athletes who are trying to build more muscle. While proteins work by increasing muscle buildup, phytonutrients on the other hand reduce fats and provide more space for muscle mass to form. If you want to read further about naturally improving metabolism, then have a look at http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutrition/top_5_ways_to_boost_your_metabolism_naturally.php
Where are phytonutrients found?
Since they are extracted from plants, phytonturients can be found primarily in fruits and vegetables. They are likewise present in many different herbs and spices.
Carotenoids are phytonutrients that present in fruits and vegetables that come in red, orange and yellow pigments. They can be derived in carrots, pumpkin, broccoli and sweet potato, as well as in peaches and apricots. Carotenoids are important to the body because they can be metabolized into Vitamin A.
Polyphenols are phytonutrients that help aid digestion and metabolism, and they are found mostly in berries, citrus fruits and soybeans.
Other kinds of phytonutrients are found in green leafy vegetables, as well as watery fruits, such as watermelons, pink grapefruit and guava.
Dietary recommendations
To increase the level of phytonutrients in the body, nutritionists recommend having a serving of fruits and vegetables in every meal, particularly during lunch and dinner. A cup of vegetables may be served to complement meat dishes, and to balance the level of other essential nutrients in the body.
Fruits on the other hand are ideal for breakfast; a cup of fruits of different varieties can provide various benefits to the body because they are not only rich in phytonutrients, but as well contain good amounts of sugar, which gives adequate energy to last for the day.