Hippocrates put it so well.
Have you ever had a meal that was just right for you in that moment, and you finished it feeling fantastic?? …That elated feeling of wellness and satisfaction, your body expressing gratitude for giving it exactly what it needed.?
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There’s so much more to food and nutrition than simply providing our bodies with energy or meeting basic human requirements for survival. There is vast health and wellness potential through nutrition. Not even getting into the other perks of food, such as the enriching social opportunities food can provide, there’s so much to food itself!
Let’s touch on one aspect, being phytochemicals. What are they? My #MailingListCommunity has already heard, phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in plants! …aka botanical medicine and your diet. Although, not essential for survival, these biologically active compounds can work in your favour!3
We know that people who consume diets high in phytochemicals tend to have reduced mortality and low risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and some age-related degenerative diseases.1
Maybe you’ve heard of this one. Berries, such as blueberries, are a great dietary source of antioxidants. Phytochemicals are to thank for that, specifically anthocyanidins, from the class of flavonoids.2 Anthocyanins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, and they are the very reason for those red, blue, and purple pigments in those beloved berries!
There are so many phytochemicals, thousands in fact, with varying health promoting properties, some of which include:2,3
Anticancer
Antioxidant
Cholesterol lowering
Improved sexual function
Helping with stress
So, how can you get more of these marvels?
| 3 Tips to a Plentiful Plate of Phytochemicals! 1) Go for those veggies. Work yourself up to half your plate filled with vegetables! 2) Choose a colourful variety of produce. In addition to bringing together a variety of phytochemicals, you’ll also be drawing in an assortment of vitamins and minerals too. 3) Mix it up, bring about variety when you can, and try different food combinations. |
Wanting more support when it comes to your diet and lifestyle? We’re here to help. Come see me, Dr. Janessa, Naturopathic Doctor, or meet with Angela, our registered holistic nutritionist, and #beyourvibrantself!
References
1. Meisenberg H, Simmons WH. Micronutrients. In: Principles of Medical Biochemistry, 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Inc.; 2017. p. 511–3
2.CCNM Year 1 Botanical Medicine Notes
3.Phytonutrients [Internet]. WebMD. WebMD; [cited 2017Jun22]. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/phytonutrients-faq#1