Phytonutrients are a buzz word that seem to be mentioned everywhere these days. But what are they? The Wellness Advisor set out to find out and created this QA to help you understand the myriad benefits phytonutrients have to offer.

What are Phytonutrients?

Phyto simply means "plant." Phytonutrients, also known as phytochemicals, are a natural blend of fruit and/or vegetable extracts such as blueberry, grape seed and green tea that help keep the body’s cells healthy.

Produced by plants, the antioxidants in phytonutrients help diminish harmful effects of physical, mental and environmental stress by optimizing the body’s utilization of essential nutrients, as opposed to vitamins and minerals, which provide nutritional substances to promote vitality and general well-being. In addition, phytonutrients protect the body’s cells from accelerated aging caused by free radicals. It is believed that phytonutrients can boost the immune system, aid digestion and protect the arteries.

• Carotenoids
• Flavonoids
• Phytoestrogens
• Lycopene
• Isoflavone
• Anthocyanins
• Zeaxanthin
• Lutein

The power of phytonutrients is measured in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).

The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging developed the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) method as a way to measure the total antioxidant activity of foods. Dietary guidelines recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables daily which correlates to approximately 2,500 ORAC units.

• Tomatoes
• Red onions
• Green tea
• Grapes
• Red cabbage
• Broccoli
• Parsley
• Spinach
• Raspberry
• Blackberry
• Garlic
• Kale
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Red wine
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Lemons
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Spices

Phytonutrients can be found in select dietary supplements. Supplementation can help maintain sufficient levels of phytonutrients to activate the positive effects associated with antioxidant intake.