Phytochemicals as the name implies are the chemicals found in plants. Phytochemicals have been defined as,' Non nutrient plant chemicals that contain protective and disease-preventing compounds'. They are not artificial chemicals but are those natural chemicals which are responsible for giving color to fruits and vegetables. Thus if a fruit or vegetable has a bright color eg red, orange, purple etc, it is more likely to contain phytochemicals. There are about 1000 phyochemicals which have been discovered so far. Foods which are rich in phytochemicals are: whole grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts and herbs.

No single fruit or vegetable contains all the phyotochemicals. Different fruits are rich in different types of phytochemicals. Some of the well-known phytochemicals are lycopene in tomatoes, carotenoids (beta carotene) in carrots, isoflavones in soy and flavanoids in fruits. Different types of phytochemicals provide different types of health benefits. Thus for a long and healthy life follow these tips:

• To ensure that your body gets its supply of phytonutrients, eat 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily. Increase your consumption from 5 portions to about 10 portions as you grow old, i.e. after the age of 50.
• Try eating a large variety of fruits and vegetables so that your body gets a diverse range of phytochemicals.
• Try eating whole grain as part of the main course atleast once a day.
• Try drinking fresh fruit juice instead of colas or other fizzy drinks.
• Try drinking a vegetable soup instead of the one which contains meat.
• Taking supplement pills is not as effective as these pills will provide you with a particular type of phytochemical only, while taking a well balanced diet helps in providing the body with a wide range of phytochemicals.
• Try replacing your in between meal snacks with portions of fresh fruits. This will not only help you cut down excessive calories, it will help in keeping you healthy and disease free.
• Phytochemicals are non-nutritive. They are yet not classified as 'nutrients' or substances necessary for sustaining life.
• Phytochemicals are not a source of nutrition. They help in protecting our bodies against many diseases. They are no replacement for vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Thus it is important that you don't cut down on these nutrients in your diet.

Health benefits of phytochemicals:

• They are supposed to delay the process of ageing.
• They contain anti-oxidants which help in eradicating the harmful free radicals from the body. This helps in providing protection against many types of cancers. Phytochemicals with antioxidant activity include: beta carotene( carrots), polyphenols (green tea, grapes) etc.
• Phtochemicals like isoflavones found in soyabeans helps in preventing many symptoms of menopause (e.g. osteoporosis) in post menopausal women.
• The phytochemical allicin from garlic has anti-bacterial properties and helps in natural treatment from minor ailments like common colds.
• Phytochemicals are involved in processes which help in decreasing the levels of cholesterol in the body.
• Research suggests that phytochemicals, working together with nutrients found in food may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cataracts, osteoporosis, and urinary tract infections.

source: http://www.dole5aday.com/Refer enceCenter/NutritionCenter/Phy tochemicals/pdf/phytext.pdf

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