VMP - Amazing Phytochemicals Microlesson

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Amazing Phytochemicals

What are phytochemicals and why are they amazing? Phytochemicals: They are protective ingredients that help to ward off disease. 

Quick Glance: Antioxidants

Antioxidants. These are part of a family known as Phytochemicals. These are not necessarily always listed on the nutrition label but are a huge benefit to the body. They come from plants. They are protective ingredients that help to ward off disease. Humans cannot produce these vital chemicals, so they are dependent on eating them in their diet. Learn more in the lesson ahead.

Explore: Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that have positive effects on the body. It is believed that these items have protective or disease preventive properties. They are non-essential nutrients, meaning that they are not required by the human body for sustaining life. Because plants produce these naturally to protect their own selves, they can help humans as well.

    

What Are The Benefits To Consuming Phytochemicals?

Click on each benefit below to learn more.

Naturally, phytochemicals can be found in plants. But did you know the color of the plant can determine what type of benefit it might have? This can have an impact on people’s health for the positive.

 

Most of the items that are covered in this lesson are food based. Have you ever considered spices or herbs? One of the easiest ways to add antioxidants to your diet is to add herbs or spices to your diet. Have you ever added cinnamon to oatmeal or to another recipe?

Watch this video below to learn how to incorporate these into your diet.

   

Challenge

So how do phytochemicals play a role in our health? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.

 

Takeaway: High Antioxidant Diet

As you have just learned about the benefits of Phytochemicals it is important to know which foods have high amounts of these important antioxidants. We know that antioxidants can help fight off free radicals which damage our body and skin. The following list of food items represents the plants highest in antioxidants. Therefore, eating these items can improve your health!

  1. Goji berries antioxidants can help fight off free radicals which damage our body and skin. 
  2. Wild blueberries
  3. Dark chocolate
  4. Pecans
  5. Artichoke (boiled)
  6. Elderberries
  7. Kidney beans
  8. Cranberries
  9. Blackberries
  10. Cilantro

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