Above: Green tea plantation in Malaysia. Green tea is rich in phytonutrients, one of the reasons tea is considered the immortality beverage in China. 

Why you need phytonutrients in your life and what foods are rich sources.
By Ma Veronica Antazo

Phytonutrients are forms of protective, immune boosting and disease preventing nutrients produced by plants. It protects the plants from bacteria, virus, diseases, excessive heat, drought, ultraviolet rays and pollutants in air, soil and water. It aids in plant's fast recovery from injuries. When phytonutrients are consumed by humans, we absorb the same health benefits they provide in plants.

Our body is made up of millions of cells. In this modern world, almost everything comes in an instant like canned goods. They contain food enhancers and preservatives that interact and damage the cells. These create a destructive process that can cause instability in the cells called free radicals. Damaged cells cause healthy cells to become damaged, too. This chain reaction causes cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Pollution in the air creates free radicals that can cause lung cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Above: Citrus fruit is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, particularly if you eat part of the rind, which contains very important bioflavanoids.

Antioxident benefits of phytonutrients

Phytonutrients have antioxidant properties that repairs damaged cells caused by free radicals. They aid in cell regeneration and protect the cells from further damage. Healthy cells boost immune system that prevent infection, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and create an overall well being. Antioxidants in phytonutrients can be found in fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of vitamins A, C and E. These are powerful detoxifying vitamins that eliminate free radicals. They can be found in pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, turnips, barley, whole wheat, broccoli, mustard, cauliflower, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, asparagus, bell pepper and green leafy vegetables. Citrus fruits are rich sources of Vitamin C like guava, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, lemon, melon, orange, pineapple, pommels, blackberries, strawberries and watermelon. Olive oil, canola oil, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seed, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, avocado and dandelions contain Vitamin E that fight bad cholesterol and help in maintaining normal blood pressure. They are rich in fatty acids that keep the brain cells healthy and gives beautiful glow on the skin.

Bioflavenoids

Bioflavenoids is a form of phytonutrients that has anti- viral and anti- inflammatory properties. It is proven to strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation, enhances liver and brain function. It prevents infection, gum disease, cavity, cancer, heart disease and stroke. It provides relief from asthma and allergies. Hesperidin is a form of biolfavenoids that blocks histamine thus reduces allergic reactions and asthma. It lowers blood cholesterol and fights carcinogen that can cause cancer and tumor. It also aids in fast healing of wounds. Its highest concentration is found in peel and membranes of oranges and lemons.

Rutin is another form of bioflavenoids that is found in apple peel, buck wheat and black tea. It strengthens capillaries and prevents arteriosclerosis, a condition where in the arteries are hardened and blocked. Quercetin is powerful anti- oxidant and anti- histamine under the family of bioflavenoids. It is found in grapes, buckwheat, blueberries, green leafy vegetables and olive oil.

Phytonutrients are rich in nature's wonders in healing and preventing diseases. Eat more variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to acquire the health benefits and balanced nutrients. Phytonutrients are essential for a healthy, stronger and more beautiful body.