Phytonutrients – Our Body’s Protector (Healthy Tips)

Healthy Tips

Phytonutrients are actually Mother Nature’s medicine – they are the plant’s defense mechanism against pests, bacteria, ultraviolet radiation , free radicals and countless diseases. Evidence indicates that these phytonutrients may also protect the human body from certain cansers and heart disease. These are thousands of phytonutrients in fruits, vegetables, grains and some herbs.

Often touted as the best natural medicine, phytonutrients help repair and rebuild damaged cells, inhibit cancer-producing substances and boost immunity by mobilising the body’s immune cells. Each class of phytonutrients affect cellular well-being in different ways and specific phytonutrients often fight specific cancers. Thus, the best way to take advantage of nature’s ‘medicine’ is by consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables across all 7 colour groups.

Measuring antioxidant Levels (Healthy Tips)
Taking food high in phytonutrients and antioxidants can help to ward off illnesses, prevent most chronic diseases and premature ageing. Because of the important of antioxidants, scientists developed the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Assay (ORAC) which measures the antioxidant capacities of different foods.

According to the USDA, we need about 3,000 – 5,000 ORAC units daily from fruits and vegetables. With research suggesting that antioxidants may play important roles in preventing many degenerative diseases and slowing down the ageing process, the higher antioxidant capacity fruits and vegetables have, the more it will positively impact our health.

Go Organic (Healthy Tips)
Assess the nutritional value of your food through its source:
- Over 400 different pesticide residues used in conventional farming may be present in food
- 500 food additives are used in processed food
- Protective coatings and waxes are often used to prolong shelf life and improve appearance

Phytochemicals (phytonutrients) in plant foods may be destroyed by modern processing techniques and likely contain fewer phytonutrients. Most commercial produce also contain high levels of chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers.

Organic produce is often better as it strictly limits the use of artificial chemicals but emphasizes crop rotation for healthy soil and natural pest-control. This ensures there is less toxins in the food produced and more often than not, higher nutrient value.

Healthy Tips