Deccan Chronicle

Phytonutrients

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Phytonutrients are known to be natural chemicals or compounds that are produced by plants. They keep plants healthy, protect them from insects and the sun.

They can be found in spices, nuts, whole grains, tea, beans, fruits and vegetables. Phytonutrients contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps in providing support to a healthy human body. There are thousands of phytonutrients found in plants and other related foods. Some of the most common phytonutrients are glucosinolates, resveratrol, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, ellagic acid and carotenoids.

Grilled Potato
Grilled Potato

Phytonutrients such as flavonoids can help in reducing inflammation, thereby boosting the health of your heart effectively. It also helps in detoxification. Your body is often exposed to various toxins on a regular basis and it needs to get rid of it. This process of elimination of toxins from your body is known as detoxification. Phytonutrients such as glucosinolates and flavonoids contain detoxification properties and should be included in the diet.

 Some of the recipes that use phytonutrients include muesli-type oat cereal with dried fruit, nuts and seeds which can be your breakfast meal. Your lunch meal can include vegetables, whole grains and a spinach salad with mandarin oranges and almonds. Your dinner should also emphasize vegetables and whole grains. Apart from this, it can also include vegetarian bean chili with a crusty whole grain roll. In snacks, a tall cold glass of orange, berry, banana smoothie can be preferred.

Read the full story that first appeared in Deccan Chronicle dated Mar 7, 2022 here:

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