Are Plants the Key to Healthy Weight Loss? What Phytonutrients Can Do For Your Diet.

What are Phytonutrients?

Phytochemicals, also called phytonutrients, literally mean “plant chemicals.” There are thousands, each with unique properties that lend distinctive qualities to their respective plants such as flavor, aroma, or color.

Though poorly understood, evidence is mounting that phytochemicals are essential for protecting cells, preventing cancer, promoting heart health, and now may also be key in the struggle to lose weight and fight obesity. This is because many act as antioxidants, preventing free radical damage (oxidative stress) and inflammation, while supporting healthy cell functioning.

Phytonutrients and Weight Loss:

A recent study from the University of Florida analyzed the diets of 54 young adults, including total calories and levels of phytonutrient intake (PI scores). It also compared participants’ weights and the levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in their bodies. The results:

Although the adults in the two groups consumed about the same amount of calories, overweight-obese adults consumed fewer plant-based foods and subsequently fewer protective trace minerals and phytochemicals and more saturated fats. They also had higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation than their normal-weight peers…

What’s especially interesting is that the total calorie intake was about the same, and what really mattered was where those calories were coming from – plants. In fact, the average PI score for the overweight group was only 13.2 compared to 23.5 for the healthy-weight group.

News Video from Florida State University: Phytonutrients and Weight Loss Study.

So, what this means for all of us, whether we’re trying to lose weight or just live a healthier lifestyle, whole unprocessed foods are the way to go. Much more research needs to be done, but it seems that many of these phytonutrients probably work in tandem with one another, so the best sources aren’t found in a bottle or pill (yet).

Here’s a list of various foods, their phytonutrients, and how they benefit overall health and weight loss. It can help you get started:

Foods and Phytonutrients: Table of Potential Benefits for Health and Weight Loss.

Reference:

University of Florida (2009, October 22). Phytochemicals In Plant-based Foods Could Help Battle Obesity, Disease. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021144251.htm

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