Phytochemical is a term that simply
means plant chemical. It refers to everything in plants -
the sugars, fiber, vitamins, nutrients, etc. These are all
phytochemicals. Scientists have become very excited about phytochemicals in recent years because many of these
chemicals, which previously had no known function in human
nutrition, seem to have a variety of biological effects in
the body. Many of them act as antioxidants, some modify
the immune system, and others alter enzymes that
metabolize drugs in our system.
Lutein, found in tomatoes and other
foods, is a good example of a phytochemical with strong
antioxidant properties and other health benefits. Other
examples of phytochemicals that are being researched for
their potential health benefits and ability to affect
various biological functions in the body include:
isoflavones in soy, lycopenes, specific fatty acids
(especially omega-3 fatty acids), plant sterols, and more.
These phytochemicals or phytonutrients have been found to
affect everything from immune function and blood pressure
to hormone and neurotransmitter production. These
phytochemicals can also interact with some medications and
change their effects in the body.
One good example of how phytochemicals
in plants can affect drug metabolism is grapefruit. This
fruit contains several chemicals that alter an enzyme in
the intestine that affects the metabolism of some drugs.
In some cases a specific drug level will be increased, and
in other cases, the drug level is decreased if it is
washed down with grapefruit juice.
Because of the potential health
benefits of these phytochemicals, dietary supplement
companies have been putting just about any phytochemical
you can eat into pill form. Although some of these
isolated phytochemicals have research to support their
use, in most cases we still don't know if these isolated
supplements have the same effect as eating fruits and
vegetables. Because all plants are mixtures of many
phytochemicals, their health benefits may be due to the
unique combination of these phytochemicals, not just one
isolated phytochemical. It is also important to remember
that just because consumption of some of these compounds
is health promoting, it does not mean that taking fistfuls
of them will be healthy, and in some cases excess amounts
may actually be harmful.
We are aware of the potential benefits
of these phytochemicals, but also realize that in many
cases it is the unique natural combination of
phytochemicals that is producing the health benefits. Part
of our Product Philosophy is to provide products that are
holistic, complete formulations. This means including the
whole plant and whole food vitamins to ensure that
nature's natural balance of phytochemicals is provided.
When you look at the labels of our products you will see
that the whole food and/or whole plant is always included
to ensure that you are receiving the full balance of
vitamins and phytochemicals as provided in nature.
