Polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, lycopene and lutein are phytonutrients, which are nutrients derived from plants that appear to promote good health. They are different from macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, fat and protein, as well as micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, because they are not necessary for your body to carry out its functions. These four phytonutrients only comprise a few of the many that exist.
Health Benefits
More research is needed in the field of phytonutrients, but scientists believe that they, among other functions, increase immune health, help your cells communicate, fight cancer cells, repair damage to DNA and act as antioxidants, which fight damage caused by free radicals, which are linked with a number of diseases, according to 2005 information from USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are phytonutrients found in red wine, tea, some nuts and a number of fruits including grapes, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples and strawberries. There are both flavonoids and non-flavonoids found in the polyphenol group. The flavonoids, catechins, flavones and isoflavones, are some forms of polyphenols. Coumarins and ellagic acid are nonflavonoid forms of polyphenols. Polyphenols might reduce the risk of heart disease, but research is not conclusive, according to the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Proanthocyanidins
Proanthocyanidins are a type of flavonoid, found under the flavanol subclass, which also makes them polyphenols. They are found in red wine, chocolate and fruits like berries, red grapes and apples. However, your body does not absorb this type of phytonutrient as well as others.
Lycopene
Carotenoids are phytonutrients that give the yellow, orange and red hues to some fruits and vegetables. Specifically, lycopene is carotenoid found in red fruits, including watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit, and perhaps its most well-known source, tomatoes. Carotenoids are associated with protecting against heart disease, some types of cancer and age-related macular degeneration, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Consuming fat along with carotenoids helps your body absorb them.
Lutein
Lutein is another carotenoid, along with lycopene and beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin. Lutein is found in green leafy vegetables, including spinach, kale and turnip greens. As with lycopene, carotenoids are better absorbed with fat and might protect against certain diseases, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
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