Phytochemicals actually refer to the secondary metabolites of plants, mainly a general term for a class of chemical substances in plants other than proteins, fats, and vitamins. Research in recent years has proven that vegetables and fruits contain some biologically active substances that can protect human health and prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Phytochemicals are found in all plant foods. The following foods are rich in phytochemicals that are particularly beneficial to the human body: whole grains, green cauliflower, kale, cauliflower, citrus fruits, Dark green leafy vegetables, garlic, tea, herbs and spices, onions, tomatoes, soybeans, wine. For example, carotenoids are widely found in fruits and vegetables, phytosterols are mainly found in the seeds of plants, saponins and polyphenols (such as tea polyphenols) are mainly found in leguminous plants, and garlic plants Organic sulfides in etc. People consume approximately 1.5 grams of phytochemicals per day.
Throughout human history, people have instinctively consumed phytochemicals through the consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and more. However, the huge changes in human production methods and lifestyles brought about by modern industrialization and urbanization have made humans far away from the original healthy and natural state of existence. Therefore, while the caloric intake is sufficient or even excessive, the intake of phytochemicals is seriously insufficient. become an important factor threatening human health. Scientific research has found that some plant extracts have irreplaceable functions in health care.
A large number of studies have confirmed that vegetables and fruits have obvious potential to prevent human cancer, and the main components of their anti-cancer effects are phytochemicals present in vegetables and fruits, which can almost It plays a role in suppressing tumors at every stage of cancer development. It is now known that more than 30 phytochemicals may have practical significance in reducing the incidence of cancer in the population. In view of the above reasons, the Codex Alimentarius Commission of some countries currently recommends the use of vegetables, fruits and fiber-rich cereals, and recommends that the daily consumption of vegetables and fruits should be increased five times.
In addition to their anti-cancer and anti-cancer effects, phytochemicals also have good abilities in antioxidant effects, enhancing immune regulatory functions, anti-microbial effects and cholesterol-lowering effects.
