Phytonutrients are plant compounds not vitamins or minerals. But along with vitamins and minerals, it is recommended that you need a variety of them everyday for optimal health.

Phytonutrients protect your DNA and that is scientifically guaranteed. They were unknown until a few years ago. The phytonutrient we know most about is cartenoids.

Cartenoids are actually a subclass of a phytochemical called terpenes, the most common of all phytochemcals. They include alpha and beta-carotene, beta crytoxanthin, and lutein, found in carrots, leafy and yellow vegetables and citrus pulpy fruits. Another very famous cartenoid, lycopene, is found in tomatoes.

There have been several studies suggesting that these compounds are among the most beneficial components of fruits and vegetables.

When you think of an orange you usually think of it contains only containing vitamin C, but it also contains a phytonutrient called bioflavinoids.

It's very important that we include phytonutrients in our diet everyday if we want to develop and maintain a healthy body and be cancer free.

Here are some examples of phytonutrients:

* Berries such as blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, black berries, raspberries offer the highest source of phytonutrients. They all produce a natural substance called ellagic acid, which has been known to be a good defense against carcinogens because they suppress tumor development.

* Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower plus dark lefty vegetables like swiss chard and spinach also have high levels of antioxidant phytonutrients.

* Soy is another phytonutrient, which contains genestein, and has been shown to have strong anti-cancer properties. It also contains phytoestrogen, which has been shown to reduce the risk and spread of prostrate cancer.

* Resveratrol another phytonutrient is found in red wine and is known to have cancer-fighting properties. Resveratrol is present in the leaves, twigs and bark of grapevines. It's also known to be a potent antioxidant, even more potent than vitamin C alone.

To receive a wide range of phytonutrients in your diet everyday it's important to include a wide range of a least one of each color groups:

Orange – squash, mangos and carrots

Red/Purple – grapes, cherries and strawberries

Orange/Yellow – oranges and pineapples

Green/Yellow – avocados, spinach and green beans

Red – tomatoes and watermelon

Green – broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower

All phytonutriens work in different ways and even have different functions:

* As antioxidants they help protect the body cells from oxidative damage thus decreasing risk of some cancer types.

* They provide a good source of vitamin A

* They enhance immune response

* They have antibacterial effect

* They are also linked to the prevention or treatment of diabetes and heart disease

It is recommended that all of us should be eating five to thirteen portions of fruits and vegetables everyday. However it's reported that 80% don't even eat five servings every day. Consequently 2.7 million deaths can be associated with poor nutrient input.

There are some interesting figures about the interest in phytonutrients on Google. It was found that 819,000 hits on phytonutrients were indicated recently. It seems there are many researchers around the world who are searching information on this subject.

In another search it was found that there were 2,190,000 hits for information on lutein, which is good for vision health.

People are becoming more aware of the benefits and significance of different nutrients in general, including those of phytonutrients. More research eventually will link phytonutrients to a healthier way of life in the near future.

If you are one of those people who lacks adopting a diet of these essential foods, why not start today to developing and maintaining a healthier body. You could extend your life even more years.

To your good health,

Sonny Julius

Sonnyj@TheSunnySenior.com