Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are organic substances in plants, which produce positive effects on human metabolism. As opposed to the essential nutrients of protein, carbohydrate and fat, phytonutrients belong to the classification of non-vital food substances. The categories of phytonutrients with immune-enhancing functions include anthocyanidins, carotenoids, catechins and flavonols. The plants in these categories manufacture disease-protective elements to fight the negative consequences of harmful oxidation, viruses, bacteria, parasites and insects.
The Immune System and Phytonutrients
The journal, "Nursing Standard," in September 2008 described mechanical and cellular barriers existing in the innate immune system. The innate immune system uses the granulocyte organs to generate and discharge white blood cells, such as phagocytes, neutrophils and macrophages in the body. The products of the white blood cells guard the body against infections, foreign substances and cancer. "Life Extension Magazine" describes phytonutrients as increasing the immune cell counts of the products produced by the white blood cells.
Anthocyanidins Phytonutrients
Anthocyanidins are a type of phenol phytonutrient that strengthens collagen protein in the body, according to the "American Chiropractor" in 2007. Collagen protein provides the structure to bone matrix where white blood cell production occurs. Colorful fruits and vegetables comprise the anthocyanidins group and include such foods as blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, eggplant and red cabbage. Intake of anthocyanidins neutralizes oxygen free radicals that cause major cell damage in major infections. The anthocyanidins produce a direct antimicrobial action.
Carotenoids Phytonutrients
Carotenoids belong to a group of plants with pigments of yellow, orange and red. Examples of fruits and vegetables in this category include beets, cantaloupe, carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" describes beta-carotene as increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which are cells produced by the white cell system. Natural killer cells appear to be the immunological link between beta-carotene activity and the prevention of cancer.
Catechins Phytonutrients
Catechins work as polyphenlic compounds and are in white, green, black and oolong teas, along with dark chocolate and red wine, according to "Environmental Nutrition" in 2003. Catechins neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to the cells. According to the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2004, conditions such as lung cancer and HIV reduce the body's ability to carry out phagocytosis in the immune system. Catechins bring these protective white blood cells back to a normal level.
Flavonols Phytonutrients
The "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" in 1999 describes flavonols as falling under the classification of phenols and representing the most extensively distributed flavonoids. Common food sources found in this category include apples, black tea, grapefruit, kale and onions. The flavonols block specific enzymes that produce inflammation. Flavonoids directly stimulate neutrophils and macrophages in the immune system. The direct activity on the immune system boosts the immunological function of the body.
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Phytonutrients FAQ
- "Nursing Standard"; An Overview of the Immune System; M. Storey & S. Jordan; 2008
- "Life Extension Magazine"; Multi-Targeted Disease Defense: Using Phytonutrients; V.D. Toews; January 2010
- "British Journal of Nursing"; The Pathogenesis of Infection and Immune Response; D. Weston; September 2010
- "American Chiropractor"; Fundamentals of Phytonutrition; J.H. Maher, D.C.; 2007
- "The American Journal of Nutrition"; Phytonutrients; Natural Killer Cell Activity in Elderly Men is Enhanced by Beta-Carotene Supplementation; M.S. Santos, et al.; November 1996
