Phytonutrients: What They Are, What They Do And Why You Need Them

NDTV

17 hours ago

There is a reason nutritionists will always nudge you towards eating the rainbow. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes - they are not just full of fibre or vitamins. They are also loaded with something called phytonutrients, and these plant compounds are what really keep things ticking inside your body. Found in everything from your post-gym green tea to the broccoli you have been ignoring on your plate, phytonutrients have been linked to better immunity, reduced inflammation, and yes, even lower cancer risk - though let us not pretend they are magic bullets.
So what are they exactly, and how do they help? We broke it down.
What Are Phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients (also called phytochemicals) are natural compounds that plants produce to defend themselves from stress, such as UV rays, pests, and diseases. When we eat these plants, we benefit too.
The bonus? These compounds may help fight oxidative stress in our bodies, reduce inflammation, and support immunity. In other words, they are low-key multitaskers. And the best part? They are everywhere in a regular Indian diet - from masala chai to mangoes.
The 4 Main Types Of Phytonutrients You Need To Know:
1. Flavonoids
Where to find them: Fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine
Why they matter: Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help neutralise free radicals - those unstable molecules that mess with your cells.
Look out for: Quercetin (apples, onions), catechins (green tea), anthocyanins (berries)
2. Carotenoids
Where to find them: Orange and red fruits and veggies
Why they matter: Carotenoids support your immune system and help keep cell damage in check.
Look out for: Beta-carotene (carrots), lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon), lutein (leafy greens)
3. Glucosinolates
Where to find them: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
Why they matter: These are your detox squad. When digested, they break down into compounds that support the body's natural detox process.
Look out for: Sulforaphane (broccoli sprouts), indole-3-carbinol (cabbage)
3. Polyphenols
Where to find them: Tea, grapes, turmeric
Why they matter: Polyphenols are known to reduce inflammation and may even play a role in slowing down cell ageing.
Look out for: Resveratrol (grapes, red wine), curcumin (turmeric), EGCG (green tea)
So, How Do They Help Exactly?
Let us keep it simple:
They help fight inflammation
They protect cells from damage
They support your immune system
They may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases over time
A lot of this happens through antioxidant action, which means these compounds help reduce stress on your body's cells, keeping them functioning properly and not going rogue. Some early studies even suggest that certain phytonutrients may help slow the growth of abnormal cells - but again, think of this as support, not treatment.
4 Of The Best Ways To Add Them To Your Diet:
Mix up your fruits and veggies: Different colours = different compounds = more variety for your body to work with.
Eat whole: Whole foods offer a natural combo of nutrients that work better together.
Know when to cook: Lycopene in tomatoes gets stronger when cooked. But for cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, a quick steam is better than a full boil.
Drink smart: Green tea is a great source of catechins, while turmeric in your dal or haldi doodh brings in curcumin.
You do not need to chase superfoods to eat smart. Your everyday meals already carry powerful compounds that quietly support your health in the background. By eating a colourful, varied, mostly plant-forward diet, you are doing more than just feeding your body - you are giving it tools to fight inflammation, stay energised, and possibly even reduce long-term health risks.
And if that comes with a side of turmeric rice or a glass of green tea, even better.