phytochemicals
Botanical bioactive substances
Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants—the "phyto-" prefix comes from the Greek word for plant.
The term usually refers to biologically active substances beyond basic nutrients: antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, and similar compounds studied for potential health benefits.
Blueberries are rich in phytochemicals.
The singular phytochemical appears mainly in technical contexts.
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- alkaloidsNitrogen-based organic compounds
- terpenesHydrocarbon plant compounds
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- saponinsFoaming plant glycosides
carotenoids · isoflavones · catechins · phytosterols · tannins · glycosides · phenolics
Plants with four-petaled blooms
- berriesSmall fleshy fruits
- citrusAcidic fruits with segments
- turmericYellow rhizome spice
- green teaUnoxidized Camellia sinensis infusion
soybeans · garlic · tomatoes · grapes · leafy greens · legumes · nuts · seeds
Plant-derived antioxidant flavonoid
- luteinYellow carotenoid in eyes
- beta-caroteneOrange plant pigment
- lycopeneRed carotenoid pigment
- glutathioneSulfur-containing cellular antioxidant
curcumin · capsaicin · allicin · free radicals · scavenging · neutralizing · bioavailability
Bioactive plant-derived compounds
- micronutrientsVital substances needed minimally
- nutraceuticalsHealth-boosting food derivatives
- whole foodsUnrefined, unprocessed edibles
- dietary intakeFood and drink ingested
biofortification · absorption · supplements · recommended intake · nutrient density · plant-based diet · dietary guidelines
Measures blocking illness onset
- cancer researchStudy of malignant disease
- cardioprotectiveSafeguarding cardiac tissue
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
- neuroprotectiveGuarding neurons from harm
immune support · cholesterol reduction · blood sugar regulation · detoxification · antimicrobial · antiviral · therapeutic · clinical trials
flavonoids
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- alkaloidsNitrogen-based organic compounds
- terpenesHydrocarbon plant compounds
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
saponins · carotenoids · isoflavones · catechins · phytosterols · tannins · glycosides · phenolics
cruciferous vegetables
Plants with four-petaled blooms
green tea · soybeans · garlic · tomatoes · grapes · leafy greens · legumes · nuts · seeds · herbs
quercetin
Plant-derived antioxidant flavonoid
- luteinYellow carotenoid in eyes
- beta-caroteneOrange plant pigment
- lycopeneRed carotenoid pigment
glutathione · curcumin · capsaicin · allicin · free radicals · scavenging · neutralizing · bioavailability
phytonutrients
Bioactive plant-derived compounds
- micronutrientsVital substances needed minimally
- nutraceuticalsHealth-boosting food derivatives
- whole foodsUnrefined, unprocessed edibles
dietary intake · biofortification · absorption · supplements · recommended intake · nutrient density · plant-based diet · dietary guidelines
disease prevention
Measures blocking illness onset
- cancer researchStudy of malignant disease
- cardioprotectiveSafeguarding cardiac tissue
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
neuroprotective · immune support · cholesterol reduction · blood sugar regulation · detoxification · antimicrobial · antiviral · therapeutic · clinical trials · epidemiology
- Natural Compoundsalkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, polyphenols, glycosides
- phytochemistryalkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, glycosides, saponins
- Bioactivespolyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, antioxidants, alkaloids
- vegetablesbroccoli, carrots, carrot, potato, cucumber
- healthy eatingvegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, balanced diet
- Fruit Nutritionapples, bananas, berries, grapes, melons
phytochemicalsessential nutrients
Required dietary components
vitamins · minerals · macronutrients · proteins · micronutrients