Chemical compounds found in plants.
Bioactive Compounds in Plants, Known as Phytochemicals, Offer Multiple Health Benefits
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring chemical substances found in plants, derived from the Greek word 'phyto' meaning plant. These compounds serve as a plant's natural defense system, protecting it against attacks by insects, grazing animals, and invasions by bacterial and fungal pathogens. At the same time, some phytochemicals attract consumers due to their color, aroma, and flavor.
Prominent among phytochemical-rich plants are cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, which can provide as many as 100 different phytochemicals in a single serving. With over 4,000 known phytochemicals discovered thus far, it is expected that scientists will uncover more in the coming years.
Dietary Implications
Consuming phytochemicals through a balanced diet has been linked to numerous potential health benefits, particularly in relation to age-related chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. Although a lack of these compounds may not cause deficiency symptoms, they are believed to play an essential role in overall health and wellbeing, especially in adults and the elderly.
Research suggests that phytochemicals act synergistically, enhancing the body's ability to utilize essential nutrients more effectively. This concept, known as synergy, implies that the combined benefits of several food components are greater than the sum of their individual effects.
Classification of Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals can be grouped into three primary families: terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids.
Terpenoids
Terpenoids, including carotenoids, are responsible for the vibrant colors of various foods such as carrots, oranges, and tomatoes. Beta-carotene is a common form of carotene in plants and is converted into vitamin A in the body by a specific enzyme present in the gut.
Phenolic Compounds
Phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, are abundant in fruits such as blueberries, with the highest concentrations found in the fruit skin. Cyanidin is one such polyphenolic compound.
Alkaloids
Capsaicin, an alkaloid compound found in chili peppers, creates a burning sensation upon contact with mucous membranes and is often utilized in food products to add heat or spice.
Phytochemical Action
While it was once thought that phytochemicals' antioxidant properties outside the body could bolster antioxidant levels in the bloodstream, leading to improved health and extended lifespan, recent research indicates that their potential health benefits stem from mechanisms other than antioxidant activity alone.
A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables should supply the necessary phytochemicals required for maintaining health and wellbeing. Parents who encourage their children to eat their vegetables are thus practicing good judgment. For more information, read our article on the development of a new apple cultivar with high levels of anthocyanin: "Why Breed a Red-Fleshed Apple."
The Nature of Science
Scientific research is driven by the question of what evidence supports a given claim. In the case of some claims regarding the antioxidant activity of certain phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, scientists continue to gather data to support their conclusions.
Science has consistently revealed the health benefits of phytochemicals, especially in the context of fitness-and-exercise and nutrition. For instance, the antioxidant properties of carotenoids, terpenoids, contribute to a healthy-diets and support overall wellness. Similarly, phenolic compounds like flavonoids, found in abundance in fruits, contribute to the health-and-wellness benefits associated with fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, CBD (a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis) is a type of phytochemical gaining attention for its potential health benefits, like reducing inflammation and improving heart-health.
