These days there are a lot of “buzz words” when it comes to nutrition. Science has found an large quantity of nutrients that were not acknowledged before. It is easy to get confused when you hear such words as phytonutrients, polyphenols, carotenoids, anthocyanins and Omega fatty acids. What do they all mean?
Everyone is familiar with protein, fat and carbohydrates as they are just the important classifications of food. Break them down and there are the imperative vitamins such as A, C, E, D, E and the B complex and the crucial minerals such as calcium, zinc, chromium and magnesium. But science has found that there are also hundreds of “micronutrients”. These are nutrients that are vital in slighter quantities but are still critical. This would include the phytonutrients, polyphenols, carotenoids, anthocyanins and Omega fatty acids.
Phytonutrients are a non-mineral, non-vitamin, organically occurring component of food that offers wonderful health advantages. Significant phytonutrients include polyphenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids and phytoestrogens.
Polyphenols are a group of antioxidant. They were in earlier times referred to as vitamin P but additional research confirmed that these substances are very diverse from a normal vitamin. Polyphenols have antiallergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols are found in berries, red wine, coffee, dark chocolate, pomegranates and more.
The orange-red pigment that is so usual in nature and found in red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes is called Carotenoids. Carotenoids convert to vitamin A in the body, as they are a vitamin A precursor. Carotenoids can shelter us from cancers and the negative effects of aging.
Anthocyanins are the pigment that is accountable for the deep purple black colors of many good for your health foods from blueberries and blackberries to purple cabbage and red wine. Anthocyanins provide health benefits against neurological diseases and aging, cancers, inflammation, diabetes and bacterial infections based upon laboratory data. You can find high concentrations of anthocyanins in red wine, berries and more.
Omega fatty acids are considered to be essential fatty acids because our bodies cannot produce them and they must be provided by our diet. They include Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Our bodies require a favorable ratio of 1:1 for these vital fats, but the modern day diet provides very little Omega 3 and excessive amounts of Omega 6. It is crucial to supplement Omega 3′s or consciously add foods that are high in Omega 3′s to our diet. Omega 3 fatty acids are fundamental for strong membranes and the proper progress of the eyes, a strong cardiovascular system and a robust immune system.
There are ever more benefits that are being exposed about these vital micronutrients every day. In order to get these vital nutrients in your diet you need to consume a diversity of beneficial foods every day.
