Great Health With Naturally-Occurring Phytochemicals

Many vegetables and fruits are known for numerousable to reduce the development of urinary tract
health benefits. Diets composed of five to nine servinginfections and may improve dental health.
of fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of·    Allicin - Allicin is an antibacterial and anti-fungal
chronic disease and other health ailments. Vegetablescompound that is found in garlic. This compound is not
and fruits can supply the body of necessary nutrientspresent in garlic in its natural state, but is developed
like vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are vital for thewhen garlic is chopped or damaged. Allicin also helps
development and maintenance of the human body. Infight arteriosclerosis, a disease that effects the the
addition, many vegetables contain disease-fightingarteries.
phytochemicals. Phytochemicals is term that is used to·    Lycopene - Lycopene us a proven antioxidant
describe the fiber, vitamins, sugar, and otherthat slows down the aging process by eliminating free
components of plants.  Many research suggests thatradicals that may damage the body's cells.
phytochemicals and other nutrients in plants,  mayLack of fruits and vegetables deprive individuals of
help slow the aging process, and lessen the risk ofantioxidants and phytochemicals that are essential in
many ailments including cancer, heart disease, highpromoting good health. In addition, unhealthy lifestyles
blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and many more.and exposure to many carcinogens increases the risk
There are different types of phytochemicals and eachof cancer and other health ailments. Smoking and
works diversely in promoting improved health. Here areexcess alcohol may dehydrate the cells and cause
some types of phytochemicals and their possiblemany health ailments. Smoking exposes the body to
health actions:nicotine that causes the blood vessels to develop
·    Flavonoids - Flavanoids may aid against thecancer cells. Excess alcohol on the other hand
damage that can be done by cholesterol. Manydehydrates cells which may cause cancer. Air pollution
flavanoids are found in green tea, dark chocolate, redand smoke from solid fuels and carcinogens in the air,
wine, and apples.may expose individuals to viruses that may cause
·    Organosulfurs - Studies show thatcancer and other health difficulties.
organosulfurs found in onions and garlic are able toEating a balanced diet may provide different
reduce the formation of plaque in the arteries,phytochemicals that may be essential in achieving
therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.improved health and overall well-being. Individuals do
·    Isoflavones - Isoflavones are primarily found innot need to eat raw fruits and vegetables to
soy and may be able to reduce menopausalaccomplish the health benefits of phytochemicals.
symptoms and osteoporosis among women. SoyThough some of the these compounds may be lost
protein can also reduce blood pressure in men.   when cooked, many still hold their health properties. It
·    Sterols - Plant sterols are known to reducealso does not matter if the vegetables are peeled,
the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or badjuiced, frozen, or canned. A nutritious diet composed of
cholesterol in the body. Sterols are naturally acquiredfruits and vegetables, coupled with exercise may
from nuts, legumes, seed, and cereals.  promote good health and overall health.
·    Proanthocyanidins - Proanthocyanidins may be