Phytonutrients are organic compounds in plants that may be beneficial to health. They are not essential nutrients for life, like calcium and iron, for example. Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals, are split up into different classes, including terpenes, flavonoids, phenols and carotenoids. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, phytochemicals may protect against oral cancer as well as other diseases.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid. Lycopene is the substance that makes this fruit red. According to a review article by Norleena P. Gullett, et al, published in the "Seminars in Oncology," lycopene may reduce or suppress the growth of some cancers, such as prostate cancer. It is also associated with decreased risk and incidence of cancers such as lung cancer.
Pomegranates
Pomegranate is a reddish-colored fruit that contains flavonoids which lead to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Eating a diet high in pomegranates may help to prevent breast cancer. According to a study in "Breast Cancer Research and Treatment" by Nam Deuk Kim, pomegranate extract and oil prevented the growth of breast cancer cells in culture.
Berries
Berries contain flavonoids and spending a bit extra on organically grown blueberries may be worth the nutritional gain. Shiow Y. Wang in "The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" showed that blueberries grown organically have higher antioxidant activity and higher sugar levels, compared to conventionally grown blueberries.
References
- Oral Cancer Foundation: Phytonutrients
- "Breast Cencer Treatment and Research"; Chemopreventive and Adjuvant Therapeutic Potential of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) for Human Breast Cancer; Nam Deuk Kim, et al.; 2002
- "The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Fruit Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Flavonoid Content of Organically and Conventionally Grown Blueberries; Shiow Y. Wang, et al.; July 1, 2008
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