Sis, have you heard about phytochemicals? 🤔

In this two-part series, I’ll be talking about 7 phytochemicals you should know that are beneficial to you.

Phyto means plant. Phytochemical is simply a term that is used to describe all chemicals that are related to plant species. There are over 7,000 of them!

Phytochemicals are needed to protect the body from harmful substances that cause chronic conditions. They also keep the body functioning well. This is why plant-based diets can greatly reduce the risk of chronic conditions.

Here are 4 of the 7 phytochemicals that you ABSOLUTELY need to know about and where you can find them. Stay tuned for the rest.

Chlorophyll is the lifeblood of plants and a popular phytochemical that I’m sure you’ve heard of that is anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic. Green leafy vegetables and the blue-green algae chlorella are great sources. Chlorella can protect the body against ultraviolet radiation. It also normalizes body functions and has detoxification properties.

Carotenoids are found in bright red, yellow, and orange fruits such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, carrots, and other cruciferous vegetables. There are more than 600 naturally occurring carotenoids and all are tissue-specific, enhance immune response, and protect against depletion of glutathione, the body’s major intracellular antioxidant.

Catechins are found in a wide range of plants and in foods like tea, cocoa, and berries. They are most abundant in grape seed extract and green tea leaves. These compounds act as antioxidants and some can be antiviral, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective. Want a nice dose of them? Drink matcha tea. Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate).

Curcuminoids are pigments found in turmeric which have antioxidant, anticoagulant properties and also can be anticarcinogenic, antiviral, and help to reduce cholesterol. There are so many ways to get your turmeric in – but one of my favorites for the fall is making warm turmeric milk; using non-dairy milk, turmeric, cinnamon, clove, and a pinch of black pepper. -XO

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