What Are Phytochemicals? Discovering Their Health Benefits

Study^[1] after study^[2] after study^[3] shows that a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of preventable diseases, including cardiac disease^[4] and cancer.^[5] Phytochemicals may be one of the reasons why.

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants. They are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains. Phytochemicals are frequently confused with phytonutrients. Whereas phytochemicals include plant compounds that are beneficial as well as those that are detrimental, phytonutrients specifically refers to compounds that have a positive effect. In other words, all phytonutrients are phytochemicals, but not all phytochemicals are phytonutrients.

The distinction between phytochemicals and phytonutrients is an important one, as not all phytochemicals are beneficial. Technically, cocaine, codeine, oxycodone, and nicotine are all phytochemicals. Even ricin, one of the most deadly and potent poisons in the world, is a phytochemical.^[6] This doesn’t mean that all phytochemicals are bad, quite the opposite. Some phytochemicals offer incredible health benefits.^[7]

Types of Phytochemicals

There are thousands of different phytochemicals. Here are a few that are of particular interest from a dietary perspective.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for the yellow, orange, and red color of many fruits and vegetables, including red peppers, papayas, paprika, tomatoes, and watermelon. There are more than 750 types of carotenoids, the one you’re probably most familiar with is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene gives carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes their rich orange pigmentation. Beta-carotene also offers a number of health benefits; the human body even converts it into vitamin A. Other carotenoids include alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene.^[8]

Carotenoids are also strong antioxidants.^[9] Antioxidants can help reduce the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Epidemiological studies have shown a link between dietary intake of carotenoids and a reduced risk of many diseases.^[8]

Carotenoids are why carrots are often described as being good for your eyes. One of the reasons eyesight gets worse with age is because of oxidative damage caused by absorbing short-wave blue light (tablets, smartphones, and televisions are a major source of short-wave blue light). Lutein and zeaxanthin filter blue light and protect your eyes like tiny, internal sunglasses.^{[10, 11]}

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are the largest group of phytochemicals with over 8000 identified compounds.^[12] Like carotenoids, polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. Polyphenols can be split into several subgroups, including flavonoids and lignans.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a subgroup of polyphenols, and a large family of phytonutrients themselves. We know of more than 4000 different flavonoids.^[12] Flavonoids can also be split into subclasses–anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones.

Of these, flavonols are the most common in the human diet.^[13] They’re found in apples, apricots, beans, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, chives, cranberries, kale, leeks, pears, onions, red grapes, sweet cherries, and white currants.

The similarly named flavanols (not to be confused with the previously mentioned flavonols—note the a and the o) are another subgroup of flavonoids. To avoid obvious confusion, flavanols are sometimes referred to by their less elegant name “flavan-3-ols.” They can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure.^[14] Dark chocolate is an excellent source of flavanols.

Anthocyanins

Like carotenoids, anthocyanins are plant pigments. They are responsible for the rich reds, blues, and purples found in fruits and vegetables. High concentrations of anthocyanins are found in blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, eggplants, grapes, red cabbage, and red apples.

Anthocyanin-rich plants have been used in folk medicine for centuries; we’re just now rediscovering their benefits. Anthocyanins are strong antioxidants that can help protect the liver, improve eyesight, reduce blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of many serious diseases.^[15]

Lignans

Lignans are another type of polyphenol. They’re found in seeds, grains, legumes, fruits, berries, and veggies. Flaxseeds are the richest dietary source of lignans and crushed or milled flaxseed is the most bioavailable source.^[16] A diet heavy in lignan-rich food seems to have beneficial, protective effects on the body. Animal studies have found that lignans may have anticarcinogenic effects.^[17]

Indole-3-carbinol

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a phytonutrient that’s highly concentrated in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and cabbage.^[18] A diet high in cruciferous vegetables has long been associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer.^[19] I3C may be the mechanism behind this defense. Animal tests have found that I3C supports normal cell development and protects against DNA damage.^[20]

Isoflavones

Isoflavones are phytoestrogens—plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the human body. Soybeans are an especially rich source of isoflavones.^[21]

Because they mimic the effects of estrogen, isoflavones can cause hormonal disruptions in both men and women. They can bind to and block the body’s natural estrogen receptors. Isoflavones can inhibit thyroid function,^[22] and even increase the risk of breast cancer.^[23] In my opinion, it’s best to limit your intake of isoflavones, particularly soy and soy products.

Resveratrol

You’ve probably heard of the so-called “French Paradox”—the phenomenon of low rates of heart disease in France despite a diet relatively high in saturated fats. Many speculate that this was influenced by the moderate daily consumption of red wine. Resveratrol may be the primary agent responsible for the healthy effects of red wine.^[24]

Resveratrol is a phytochemical made by plants to protect them from bacteria, fungi, and drought. Humans may be able to reap these benefits as well. Resveratrol exhibits heart-protective effects,^[25] and can help defend against many degenerative health conditions.^[24]

While the incredible benefits of resveratrol appear to be real, the hype behind red wine is less so. When studies about the health benefits of resveratrol made the news a few years ago, media outlets went crazy with headlines like “Can Drinking Red Wine Help You Live Forever?” These hyperbolic headlines turned out to be more sensational than fact. While certain red wines do contain resveratrol, the amount varies by quality and grape variety.

You must also be careful with your vintage selection. The health benefits of resveratrol have attracted those hoping to cash in by flooding the market with low-quality wines. There was a well-publicized report a few years ago that found dozens of wine brands were contaminated with arsenic.^[26] Even if you find an excellent red wine, be sure to exercise moderation. Alcohol can upset your gut microbiome, disrupt your hormones, and damage your liver.

Fortunately, red wine is not the only source of resveratrol. Resveratrol is found in grapes, peanuts, pistachios, blueberries, cranberries, mulberries, lingonberries, and even dark chocolate.^[27]

Getting the Right Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are not a magical health elixir but they are something to consider when planning a healthy diet. When combined with regular exercise, a balanced, plant-based diet that provides a variety of beneficial phytochemicals and phytonutrients can contribute greatly to your overall health. Currently, there is no official recommended daily allowance for phytochemicals but regularly consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables will ensure you receive a diverse supply.

Plant-based food is the best way to get valuable phytochemicals into your body and, in fact, plants are the only natural source of phytochemicals. Some nutritional supplements contain phytochemicals that have been extracted from plants (and some contain synthetic phytochemicals, which I prefer to avoid). It’s always best to talk to your trusted healthcare professional who can evaluate your individual situation before taking any new supplements.

Have you had any experience incorporating more phytonutrients into your diet? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts with the community.

References

1. Liu, S, et al. “Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Women’s Health Study.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition., vol. 72, no. 4, 30 Sept. 2000, pp. 922–8. Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.
2. Hung, H.C., et al., Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of major chronic disease. J Natl Cancer Inst, 2004. 96(21): p. 1577-84
3. Nguyen, JY, et al. “Adoption of a Plant-Based Diet by Patients with Recurrent Prostate Cancer.” Integrative Cancer Therapies., vol. 5, no. 3, 2 Aug. 2006, pp. 214–23 Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.
4. Macknin, M, et al. “Plant-Based, No-Added-Fat or American Heart Association Diets: Impact on Cardiovascular Risk in Obese Children with Hypercholesterolemia and Their Parents.” The Journal of Pediatrics., vol. 166, no. 4, 17 Feb. 2015, pp. 953–9. Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.
5. Rock, CL, et al. “Responsiveness of Carotenoids to a High Vegetable Diet Intervention Designed to Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : A Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology., vol. 6, no. 8, 1 Aug. 1997, pp. 617–23. Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.
6. Tiwari, Brijesh K., Nigel Brunton, and Charles S. Brennan. Handbook of Plant Food Phytochemicals: Sources, Stability and Extraction. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. Print.
7. Heneman, Karrie, and et al. “Nutrition and Health Info-Sheet: Some Facts About Phytochemicals.” UC Davis: Dept of Nutrition, The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. Accessed 18 Oct. 2016.
8. Delange, Barbera, Ph.D. “Carotenoids.” Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University, 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.
9. Paiva, SA, and RM Russell. “Beta-Carotene and Other Carotenoids as Antioxidants.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition., vol. 18, no. 5, 8 Oct. 1999, pp. 426–33. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
10. Krinsky, NI, et al. “Biologic Mechanisms of the Protective Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye.” Annual Review of Nutrition., vol. 23, 11 Mar. 2003, pp. 171–201. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
11. Johnson, EJ. “The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health.” Nutrition in Clinical Care : An Official Publication of Tufts University., vol. 5, no. 2, 24 July 2002, pp. 56–65. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
12. Tsao, Rong. Chemistry and Biochemistry of Dietary Polyphenols. Vol. 2, no. 12, 10 Dec. 2010. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
13. Delange, Barbera, Ph.D. “Flavonoids.” Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University, 2015. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.
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15. Konczak, Izabela, and Wei Zhang. Anthocyanins—More Than Nature’s Colours. Vol. 2004, no. 5, 1 Dec. 2004. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
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18. Drake, Victoria, Ph.D. “Indole-3-Carbinol.” Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University, 2008. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.
19. Verhoeven, DT, et al. “Epidemiological Studies on Brassica Vegetables and Cancer Risk.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention: A Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology., vol. 5, no. 9, 1 Sept. 1996, pp. 733–48. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
20. Dashwood, RH, et al. “Mechanisms of Anti-Carcinogenesis by Indole-3-Carbinol: Detailed in Vivo DNA Binding Dose-Response Studies After Dietary Administration with Aflatoxin B1.” Carcinogenesis., vol. 9, no. 3, 1 Mar. 1988, pp. 427–32. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
21. Drake, Victoria, Ph.D. “Soy Isoflavones.” Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University, 2009. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.
22. Divi, RL, et al. “Anti-Thyroid Isoflavones from Soybean: Isolation, Characterization, and Mechanisms of Action.” Biochemical Pharmacology., vol. 54, no. 10, 17 Feb. 1998, pp. 1087–96. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
23. Duffy, C, and M Cyr. “Phytoestrogens: Potential Benefits and Implications for Breast Cancer Survivors.” Journal of Women’s Health (2002)., vol. 12, no. 7, 30 Oct. 2003, pp. 617–31. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.
24. Delange, Barbera, Ph.D. “Resveratrols.” Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University, 2015. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.
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27. Skerrett, Patrick J. “Resveratrol—the Hype Continues – Harvard Health Blog.” Drugs and Supplements, Harvard Health Blog, 3 Feb. 2012. Accessed 19 Oct. 2016.

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