Phytochemicals or phytonutrients? What’s the difference?
by Derek Burreson
We have often seen these terms thrown around to mean the same thing but there is a difference. So what is a phytochemical? Simply it is a compound that is present in plants that make them biologically active. These nutrients are the ones we consume and our bodies utilize that form the foundation for our own biological processes. These compounds become phytonutrients or Nutraceuticals when they are extracted and concentrated into capsules, powders and tablets. The advantage of taking a phytonutraceutical is you can get the beneficial compounds of the plants quickly and easily as opposed to ingesting a large amount of the raw product. But, I have to say that in no way should this be a replacement for eating a good balance of fruits and veggies. There are many extra benefits to a healthy diet and you should not expect that you can utilize supplements to replace the nutrients in unhealthy eating habits. Our bodies require fuel to operate properly in the form of the food we eat. Think of our bodies as a biochemical machine, if we are not getting the proper fuel, it will not run right.
The following link to the U.S.D.A (Department of Agriculture) can help answer more questions you may have about phytonutrients.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=4142
We have often seen these terms thrown around to mean the same thing but there is a difference. So what is a phytochemical? Simply it is a compound that is present in plants that make them biologically active. These nutrients are the ones we consume and our bodies utilize that form the foundation for our own biological processes. These compounds become phytonutrients or Nutraceuticals when they are extracted and concentrated into capsules, powders and tablets. The advantage of taking a phytonutraceutical is you can get the beneficial compounds of the plants quickly and easily as opposed to ingesting a large amount of the raw product. But, I have to say that in no way should this be a replacement for eating a good balance of fruits and veggies. There are many extra benefits to a healthy diet and you should not expect that you can utilize supplements to replace the nutrients in unhealthy eating habits. Our bodies require fuel to operate properly in the form of the food we eat. Think of our bodies as a biochemical machine, if we are not getting the proper fuel, it will not run right.
The following link to the U.S.D.A (Department of Agriculture) can help answer more questions you may have about phytonutrients.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=4142