phytonutrient
Beneficial plant chemical
Phytonutrients are chemical compounds found in plants that benefit human health beyond basic nutrition.
Unlike vitamins or minerals, they aren't essential for survival but may protect against disease and support bodily functions.
Lycopene in tomatoes, flavonoids in berries, and curcumin in turmeric are common examples.
The term appears frequently in health food marketing: This smoothie is packed with phytonutrients.
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- carotenoidsFat-soluble plant pigments
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- isoflavonesPlant-based estrogen analogues
- catechinsPolyphenolic tea compounds
quercetin · lycopene · lutein · beta-carotene · phytosterols · saponins · terpenes · capsaicin
Affecting living tissue
- micronutrientsVital substances needed minimally
- nutraceuticalsHealth-boosting food derivatives
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
- superfoodsNutrient-dense dietary items
plant-based · bioavailability · extraction · fortification · RDA · synergistic · naturopathy · integrative
Four-petaled vegetable family
- berriesSmall fleshy fruits
- citrusAcidic fruits with segments
- legumesEdible pod-bearing plants
- turmericYellow rhizome spice
garlic · tomatoes · soybeans · grapes · peppers · broccoli · spinach · kale
Inflammation-reducing agent
- immunityProtected from harm
- cardiovascularOf heart and blood vessels
- neuroprotectionSafeguarding neurons from damage
- detoxificationRemoving harmful substances internally
anti-aging · cholesterol · cognitive · therapeutic · preventive · protective
Gathering discarded or dead material
- neutralizingMaking something ineffective
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- chelationChemical metal-ion capture
flavonoids
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- carotenoidsFat-soluble plant pigments
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- isoflavonesPlant-based estrogen analogues
catechins · quercetin · lycopene · lutein · beta-carotene · phytosterols · saponins · terpenes · capsaicin · curcumin
bioactive
Affecting living tissue
- micronutrientsVital substances needed minimally
- nutraceuticalsHealth-boosting food derivatives
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
superfoods · plant-based · bioavailability · extraction · fortification · RDA · synergistic · naturopathy · integrative
cruciferous
Four-petaled vegetable family
turmeric · garlic · tomatoes · soybeans · grapes · peppers · broccoli · spinach · kale · blueberries
anti-inflammatory
Inflammation-reducing agent
- immunityProtected from harm
- cardiovascularOf heart and blood vessels
- neuroprotectionSafeguarding neurons from damage
detoxification · anti-aging · cholesterol · cognitive · therapeutic · preventive · protective
scavenging
Gathering discarded or dead material
- neutralizingMaking something ineffective
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
phytonutrientessential nutrient
Required substance from diet
vitamin · mineral · macronutrient · antinutrient · essential amino acid
phytonutrienttoxin
Biological-origin harm agent
carcinogen · antinutrient · poison · free radical · oxidant