A variety of these beneficial compounds have been identified by researchers in helping the body to maintain peak health and combat disease, and a growing body of research strongly links the importance of diet to health.
Studies are showing that as we move away from the natural, plant-based diet of our ancestors we succumb to "modern" diseases. Evidence of this can be seen in remote societies who still embrace traditional dietary practices. These people have been reported to live extraordinarily long lives that are free of such illnesses as cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
How Do phytonutrients Protect Against disease?
Here are a few ways in which these beneficial compounds protect human health:
Serve as antioxidants
Enhance immune response
Enhance cell-to-cell communication
Cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis)
Repair DNA damage caused toxic substances
Detoxify carcinogens
Phytonutrients are grouped into classes depending on their protective functions as well as individual physical and chemical characteristics of the molecules. Each class offers a unique kind of protection for the body. But for overall health, all classes of phytonutrients should be consumed, and an easy way to boost phytonutrient intake is to simply eat a mix of naturally colorful foods.
Here are the main classes of phytochemicals and some of their individual health-boosting properties.
