Phytochemicals Diet

October 21, 2009

A PLATE FULL OF BRIGHTLY COLORED FOODS DOES MORE THAN PLEASE YOUR EYE. COLORFUL FOODS LIKE SPINACH, STRAWBERRIES, AND ORANGE SQUASHES ARE HIGH IN PHYTOCHEMICALS. ACCORDING TO A UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA STUDY, A DIET WITH A HIGH PHYTOCHEMICAL INDEX CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND OBESITY.

Dr. Heather Vincent/UF researcher: “The Phytochemical Index is very interesting in that it does not necessarily promote portion size or worrying about the specific type of foods rather than just worrying about start incorporating into your diet as many plant-based foods as you can, and the rest of the healthful dietary patterns will follow.”

PHYTOCHEMICALS AREN’T CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS, BUT THEY DO HAVE UNIQUE PROTECTIVE AND DISEASE PREVENTION PROPERTIES. EATING MORE FOODS DERIVED FROM PLANTS BEFORE EATING ANYTHING ELSE MAKE YOU FEEL FULL SOONER, KEEPING DOWN THE CALORIES.

Dr. Heather Vincent/UF researcher: “This costs nothing. The average person can do it and when taught properly, can start to really think about how to incorporate as many of the phytochemical rich foods into the diet.”

SOME FAMILIAR PHYTOCHEMICALS ARE BETA CAROTENE FOUND IN CARROTS, AND LYCOPENE IN TOMATOES.