Are phytochemicals considered nutrients?

Phytochemicals are defined as bioactive nutrient plant chemicals in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant foods that may provide desirable health benefits beyond basic nutrition to reduce the risk of major chronic diseases (Liu, 2004).

Why are phytochemicals not a nutrient?

They generally have biological activity in the plant host and play a role in plant growth or defense against competitors, pathogens, or predators. Phytochemicals are generally regarded as research compounds rather than essential nutrients because proof of their possible health effects has not been established yet.

What is the difference between phytochemicals and nutrients?

Phytochemicals are processed by the body as xenobiotics since it does not distinguish between beneficial, neutral or toxic compounds but only between nutrients and compounds which are not nutrients.

Are phytochemicals vitamins?

While phytochemicals are antioxidants, most of them are not vitamins. However, out of the thousands of phytochemicals known to exist, three of them also function as vitamins. These substances, called provitamin A carotenoids, qualify as antioxidants, phytochemicals and vitamins.

Are flavonoids phytochemicals?

Since flavonoids are phytochemicals or secondary metabolites of plant origin (listed in Table 14.2), therefore humans and animals are unable to prepare flavonoids in their body system [40]. Therefore flavonoids are found in animals that must be originated from plants rather than biosynthesized in animals.

Is phytochemical a mineral?

Minerals are divided into two classes called macrominerals and microminerals. Macrominerals, needed in large amounts, include calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Microminerals are needed in small amounts and include selenium, iron, and zinc. Phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, have no nutritional value.

What are not nutrients?

Non-nutrients are no-calorie substances able to modulate several metabolic pathways. Non-nutrients have been demonstrated as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Non-nutrients can reduce intestinal absorption of glucose and fat.

What’s a non nutrient?

: not of or relating to nutrition : not providing nourishment nonnutritive sweeteners pacifiers used for nonnutritive sucking.

Are flavonoids considered nutrients?

Although flavonoids are not essential nutrients, because they do not appear to be necessary for growth and development, it has been suggested that they are “life span essential,” meaning that their presence in the diet can reduce risk for chronic disease (7).

Are phytochemicals minerals?

Are flavonoids nutrients?

Is riboflavin a flavonoid?

As for other flavonoids, riboflavin is known to exhibit antioxidant properties and protect tissue from oxidative damage [17–23]. Riboflavin is also important in cell repair and production and for protecting mitochondrial and other enzymes as a mitochondrial enzyme cofactor or cofactor precursor [24].