phytonutrients
Beneficial plant chemicals
Phytonutrients are chemical compounds found in plants that benefit human health but aren't essential nutrients like vitamins or minerals.
The prefix phyto- means plant.
Examples include lycopene in tomatoes, flavonoids in berries, and resveratrol in grapes.
The term appears frequently in nutrition writing promoting plant-based diets: Colorful vegetables are rich in phytonutrients.
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- carotenoidsFat-soluble plant pigments
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- phytosterolsBotanical membrane lipids
- isoflavonesPlant-based estrogen analogues
saponins · terpenes · catechins · quercetin · lutein · capsaicin · curcumin · beta-carotene
Four-petaled vegetable family
- berriesSmall fleshy fruits
- citrusAcidic fruits with segments
- legumesEdible pod-bearing plants
- alliumsOnion genus plants
nightshades · herbs · spices · tea · cacao · turmeric · ginger · garlic
Act of removing
- isolationComplete separation from others
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- metabolitesChemicals from bodily processes
- absorptionProcess of taking in
synergy · dose-response · epidemiology · chromatography · spectroscopy · in-vitro · pharmacokinetics · nutraceuticals
Gathering discarded or dead material
- neutralizingMaking something ineffective
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- redoxElectron transfer chemistry
Inflammation-reducing agent
- cardioprotectiveSafeguarding cardiac tissue
- neuroprotectiveGuarding neurons from harm
- immunityProtected from harm
- bioactiveAffecting living tissue
therapeutic · antiviral · antimicrobial · anticancer · cholesterol-lowering
flavonoids
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- carotenoidsFat-soluble plant pigments
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- phytosterolsBotanical membrane lipids
isoflavones · saponins · terpenes · catechins · quercetin · lutein · capsaicin · curcumin · beta-carotene · lycopene
cruciferous
Four-petaled vegetable family
alliums · nightshades · herbs · spices · tea · cacao · turmeric · ginger · garlic · tomatoes
extraction
Act of removing
- isolationComplete separation from others
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- metabolitesChemicals from bodily processes
absorption · synergy · dose-response · epidemiology · chromatography · spectroscopy · in-vitro · pharmacokinetics · nutraceuticals · supplementation
scavenging
Gathering discarded or dead material
- neutralizingMaking something ineffective
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- redoxElectron transfer chemistry
anti-inflammatory
Inflammation-reducing agent
- cardioprotectiveSafeguarding cardiac tissue
- neuroprotectiveGuarding neurons from harm
- immunityProtected from harm
bioactive · therapeutic · antiviral · antimicrobial · anticancer · cholesterol-lowering
phytonutrientstoxins
Harmful biological substances
antinutrients · carcinogens · pesticide residues · oxidants · free radicals
phytonutrientsvitamins
Essential organic nutrients
minerals · macronutrients · essential nutrients · proteins · carbohydrates