Phytonutrients are a certain organic component of plants that promote good health. Fruit and vegetables are rich sources of phytonutrients, as well as grains, nuts, legumes, and teas.
Benefits of Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are widely studied, and researchers have proposed many mechanisms by which they protect human health. There is strong evidence that phytonutrients can:
- Act as potent antioxidants
- Enhance the immune response
- Promote cell-to-cell communication
- Modify estrogen metabolism
- Convert to vitamin A (beta-carotene is metabolized to vitamin A)
- Cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis)
- Repair damage to DNA caused by smoking and other toxic exposures
- Detoxify carcinogens
Sources of Phytonutrients
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| Apples, bananas, oranges, red grapes, tomatoes, pomegranates | Cabbage, garlic | Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale, turnip greens. More on vegetables and prostate cancer | Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and coumarins |
| Apricots, citrus, peaches | Carrots, winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe | Leafy green and yellow vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes | Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava. More on lycopene for prostate health |
| Beans and soybeans. More on soy and prostate health | Celery, oregano, parsley, thyme | Lignans: (flaxseed is the richest source); also found in kale, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, apricots. More on lignans and prostate cancer | Wine. More on the Mediterranean Diet |
| Black and green tea. More on green tea and cancer | Citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit) | Red onion, red cabbage, plums, red grapes | Yellow onion, leeks |
See also
Vegetables Reduce Prostate Cancer Progression and Aggression
