Phytochemicals are chemicals made by plants that have health-related benefits. The term does not refer to essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins or fats. Michael W. Davidson, research scientist at the Institute of Molecular Biophysics and University of Florida, states the proper consumption of phytochemicals might prevent diseases that contribute to 60 percent of U.S. deaths each year. This claim is not proven by scientific research. The phytochemical diet is a plant-based diet focused on improving health by preventing disease.
Definition of a Phytochemical
The word phytochemical is derived from Greek. Phyto means plant. Any plant-derived chemical is called a phytochemical. Phytonutrient is a synonym for phytochemical. These phytonutrients differ from traditional nutrients because they are not essential for life. They are primarily called phytochemicals for clarity.
All-Natural Diet
A phytochemical diet is all-natural and based on chemicals from fresh plants. Common vegetables that contain phytochemicals are tomatoes, celery, garlic, spinach, kale, broccoli and collard greens. Ginger and capsaicin are spices that contain phytochemicals. The all-natural diet is built around the intake of a variety of phytochemicals in order to improve health instead of simply extending life.
Dietary Recommendations
The Journal of Nutrition suggests diversifying your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. A phytochemical diet incorporates a variety of cruciferous vegetables, green vegetables, yellow vegetables and citrus fruits. Cruciferous vegetables include horse radish, kale, collard greens and napa cabbage. Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons and grapefruit. The Journal of Nutrition suggests that rather than a single phytochemical being responsible for improved health, a mixture of phytochemicals is essential for the diet.
Benefits of the Phytochemical Diet
More than 1,000 phytochemicals are found in various foods. Dena McDowell, a clinical dietician in oncology, says that phytochemicals help repair cell damage, perform antibacterial functions, act as phytoestrogens, enzyme aids and work with essential nutrients to guard against aging-related diseases. McDowell also recommends eating whole foods to obtain phytochemicals and discourages taking supplements for this purpose.
Risks of the Phytochemical Diet
A diet composed strictly of phytochemicals might not always be beneficial. For example, beta-carotene has some connection to increased lung cancer incidence in male smokers. Total reliance on an all-plant diet would exclude other nutrients derived from meat and poultry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified meat and poultry as essential components of a healthful diet.
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