Benefits of a Phytonutrients

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What Are Phytochemicals?

        The term phytochemicalsare used for a wide variety of plant produced compounds.
                     “Phyto”refers to the Greek word for plant.  

         
·     These natural chemicals help protect plants from germs, fungi, bugs, and other threats.
·     Found in a variety of vegetables, fruits, beans, grains, other plants. 
·     Other common names for Phytochemicals: Antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids,
phytonutrients and polyphenols.


How do Phytonutrients work?

1. Stimulates enzymes that help the body detoxify
2. Reduces the genetic damage from cancer causing agents
3.May interfere with growth and multiplication of cancer cells
4. Decreases inflammation


Benefits of Exercise and a Diet Rich in Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are especially beneficial for athletes, by enhancing the activity of natural killer cells in the body to attack free radicals. 


Strengthened Immune System
Generally, exercise and training enhances the immune system and decreases infection. 

Prolonged/intense exercise can actually weaken immunity by generating more free radicals than the body can ward off.

Enhanced Recovery and Healing
Sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol are phytonutrients found in cruciferous vegetables. 

Functioning as anti-inflammatory, and aiding cleaning the blood of toxins such as lactic acid and ammonia.      
                                                                                                              
Promoting quicker post workout recovery, helps with tissue healing and reducing injury risk, this can help athletes train at a higher intensity.


Increased Endurance
Resveratrol increases oxygen consumption and skeletal muscle enzymes, which boost and enhance exercise/endurance performance.

A real benefits to athletes is slowing down the decline in physical performance due to aging.

Resveratrol has been found to improve not only skeletal muscle function, but cardiac performance and energy metabolism as well.


Increased DHEA and Testosterone
Phytosterols act as precursors to human sterols which can                                                         enhance production of the hormone DHEA. Health benefits of adequate levels: slowing aging process, prevention and treatment of heart disease, obesity, and osteoporosis.

DHEA converted to testosterone/estrogen: muscular/bone strength and immune/cardiovascular function.     





·     50% of Americans eat the recommend amount of vegetables and only 30% eat enough fruit.
·     Increase your intake of phytonutrients by simply eating more fruits and vegetables.
·     A diet rich in phytonutrients can certainly help maintain a healthy body balance. 
·     By eating whole foods rich in phytonutrients, you can benefit: Reductions in diabetes, cancer risk, and cardiovascular disease as well as improvement in exercise performance.





MA





Benefits of Phytonutrients For Athletes/Endurance Recovery. Dr. Linda Posch MS SLP ND. Sports Link. Website Retrieved September 26, 2014. http://sudburysportlink.ca/sportlink/contact-sportlink.html
Clipart. Retrieved September 2, 2014. www.foodandhealth.com
Eat to Protect Your Health and Reduce the Risk of Cancer. Debra Nessel, RD, CDE. Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Website. May 14, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014. http://www.torrancememorial.org/documents/Cancer/D-Nessel-May-14-2014.pdf.
Fruits and Veggies More Matters What Are Phytonutrients? Fruits & Veggies More Matters Website: Health Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables . Retrieved August 30,2014. www.fruits and veggies more matters.org
Fruits and Veggies More Matters Top 10 Reasons to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables. Fruits & Veggies More Matters Website: Health Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables. Retrieved August 30,2014. www.fruits and veggies more matters.org
The Benefits of Antioxidants: Have we discovered the fountain of youth? Antioxidants Make You Healthy Website. Krissy Russ. Retrieved September 2, 2014.  http://www.antioxidants-make-you-healthy.com/benefits-of-antioxidants.html
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