Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that may have potential benefits to health but are not considered essential nutrients (1). Research is being conducted to determine the roles of various phytochemicals such as carotenoids and flavonoids in disease conditions, yet associations remain inconclusive. While numerous studies have shown the benefits of eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, it remains to be seen whether benefits can be attributed to individual phytochemicals or to other characteristics of the foods that they are found in (1).
1. Linus Pauling
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals.html
- Flavonoids
- Glucosinolates
- Polyphenols