The Role that Phytochemicals Play in your Health.

Student’s Name Lecturer’s Name Unit Due Date The Role of Phytochemicals in Health Throughout evolution, humans have used many edible plants that have nutrition value. These plants provided the body with valuable nutrients and phytochemicals (Almodaifer, 28). Research shows that the latter component helped in shaping human psychology. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds such as polyphenols, saponins, salicylates, protease inhibitors, lectins, monoterpenes, sulphides and terpenes found in fruits, vegetables, grains and other plants (Forni, 1). These phytochemicals protect plants against pathogens and predators. The body gains these protection benefits when one eats fruits, vegetables and grains. While humans may prefer foods rich in proteins and fats, phytochemical rich-plant foods are a natural part of the diet that performs vital roles in human health and provides various health benefits, including protection. Phytochemicals play significant roles in stimulating your immune system, reducing the growth rate of cancer cells, and preventing DNA damage that may cause cancer and other chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and neurodegeneration (Howes and Simmonds, 558). Phytochemicals are antioxidants that protect the body cells from oxidative damage. They help the body repair the cells damaged by free radicals (Forni, 6). Studies show that overproduction of oxidants in the body can cause a chemical imbalance and result in oxidative damage to large biomolecules like lipids, proteins and DNA, which trigger chronic diseases (Almodaifer, 29). Metabolic conditions are related to daily lifestyle, especially a diet without fibre and phytochemicals. Scavenging these oxidants help in depressing oxidative stress level (Forni, 7). Common antioxidants include lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C and, E, found in vegetables, fruits and beverages (Howes and Simmonds, 560). Eating a balanced diet full of legumes, whole grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits provides the body with phytochemicals to protect the body against chronic diseases...