Phytonutrients are a plant’s natural defenders. They are chemical compounds that plants naturally develop during their growth period that protect them from bugs, bacteria, germs, fungi and disease. Scientists have identified more than 25,000 different types of phytonutrients. The really interesting thing about phytonutrients is that these powerful plant chemical compounds have the same effect on humans. When we eat the plants they support our immune system and also protect us from bacteria, germs, fungi and disease.
Phytonutrients give plants their distinctive colors such as the green in spinach, the orange in carrots, the red in tomatoes, the blue in blueberries and many others. These colors in plants come from frequencies of light from the sun’s energy which give them their distinctive appearance. When you eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables it is as though you are painting the inside of your body with the colors of the rainbow!
Phytonutrients have powerful health-promoting properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They support your immune system and act like an army of highly skilled special forces defending you against foreign invaders that have nefarious intentions. Here are just a few of these powerful protectors:
Chlorophyll – wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella, barley grass, and in all leafy greens. Good for healthy blood, brain, all bodily tissues, detox, lowers blood pressure, glowing skin.
Beta-carotene – carrots, yams and green leafy vegetables. Good for Healthy eyes, skin, hair, bones, teeth and sex.
Lycopene – tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruits and apricots. Good for boosting the immune system and cancer of the mouth, esophagus, lung, stomach, intestines, prostate, cervical and colon.
Selenium – brazil nuts and walnuts. Boosting the immune system especially for people dealing with colds, flus, viruses, and tuberculosis. Excellent for the thyroid and it is anti-aging!
Sulphoraphane – broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and collard greens. Strengthens the immune system.
Allyl Sulfides - garlic, onions, and shallots. Strengthens the immune system good for allergies, colds, and flu.
Curcuminoids – Turmeric. This phytonutrient has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, pro-digestive, and anti-infectious activities.
Organic fruits and vegetables have far more phytonutrients than nonorganic plants. This is because nonorganic plants become dependent upon the artificial, chemically-synthesized pesticides and fungicides farmers spray on them to help them grow. Consequently, the plants stop producing many of the antibodies needed to naturally deal with these challenges. Phytonutrients are also very sensitive to heat and are destroyed by the cooking process. Also, there are no phytonutrients in any animal products.
Fresh, ripe, raw, organic, and whole fruits, vegetables, and sprouts are the only source of these powerful defenders for your immune system. You color the rainbow of light inside your body when you eat phytonutrient-rich foods!
If you would like to learn more about natural health, healing and nutrition you are invited to join me at the Foundation of Life Retreat in Evergreen, Colorado, August 9-16, 2022. This will be an unforgettable week for detox and rejuvenation at the top of the world in a magical sanctuary that is literally “Above the Clouds” For details click here. I hope to see you there!:)
