
What the heck is a
phytochemical ? Well, a phytochemical is actually a plant based chemical that is in vine ripened fruits and vegetables. And they have incredible health benefits.
The
phytochemicals that researchers have uncovered are changing the way we think about food, especially fruits and vegetables. For example, broccoli contains a substance that may help prevent breast cancer. Citrus fruits have substances that make it easier for your body to remove carcinogens, thus decreasing the chance of contracting cancer. Grapes contain a phytochemical that appears to protect each cells' DNA from damage.
Similarly, a number of green vegetables contain phytochemicals that appear to offer protection against cancer-causing substances. The list goes on and on: bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, rutabaga, turnip greens, red beets, peppers, garlic, onions, leeks, and chives are but a few of the vegetables that appear to have cancer-preventing phytochemicals.
The problem, though, is that most of us don't eat enough fruits and vegetables to reap the benefits they offer. And besides that, a fruit or vegetable would need to be "vine ripened" to have adequate phytochemicals in it. Most of the phytochemicals are produced in the fruit or vegetable at the final ripening stage just before they are picked.
The National Cancer institute recommends five servings of vegetables and three of fruits each day, the truth is this: The average American eats only 1 1/2 servings of vegetables and, on average, no fruit on any given day.
So how do you get your phytochemicals?
One company,
Mannatech , offers a product called
Phytaloe that is made of vine riped fruits and vegetables in powdered form. You can mix it with water or juice for your daily "supply" of phytochemicals.