Rainbow Foods: Enjoy Your Phytochemicals!

There are many reasons to enjoy a whole foods plant-based diet. And high on the list of eye-catching colorful reasons are phytochemicals!

The word ‘phytochemical’ literally means phyto (plant) – chemical. From the deep blue hue of blueberries to the pungent aroma of garlic, phytochemicals help give plants their distinctive colors, smells, tastes and other organoleptic (sense engaging) properties.

Phytochemicals also help indicate the health of a plant, when it is ready to be eaten and which nutrients may be present. These are all ways in which plants advertise to those that may spread their seeds (pollinators and hungry animals/insects) that they are a food source worth paying attention to.

“It is thought that phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all present in fruits and vegetables, work synergistically in whole foods to promote health and lower disease risk. For this reason, many authoritative organizations, such as the National Cancer Institute and The American Heart Association, recommend getting phytochemicals from whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than from supplements.” – Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH)

Next: Health benefits of the Blue food group and more!

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Melania P.

8:39AM PST on Feb 12, 2013

Thanks

February 12
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Fred H.

5:57AM PST on Jan 27, 2013

Thank you Alisa, for Sharing this!

January 27
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Melinda K.

5:38PM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

thanks, great info on the power of foods.

August 29
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Silas G.

1:17PM PDT on Aug 28, 2012

I tend to eat a lot of colorful foods, but it is interesting to actually see why we should eat them, besides the fact that someone said to. Thanks!

August 28
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Lyn S.

8:25PM PDT on Aug 27, 2012

I love the rainbow of colours that we can eat. However, for example, brocolli is one of the main sources of magnesium but the soil in Australia is severaly depeleted of this mineral. To have an adequate intake, even if you consume almonds and other sources every day, you'd need so large a quantity that the calorific value would exceed your daily requirements. So - obesity or supplements? Your choice!