What Are Phytochemicals

And how do the help athletes?

What are phytochemicals? The term Phytochemical is

a broad name for a wide variety of compounds produced by plants.

Commonly known as antioxidants.

These plant chemicals have protective and disease preventive properties.

More about Phytochemicals Non-nutritive, They are

non-essential nutrients, meaning that they are not required by the human body for sustaining life.

Protect humans against diseases.

Phytochemicals have antioxidant activity and protect our cells against oxidative damage

Types of Phytochemicals Inflamatory, antioxidant,

wound-healing, detoxing. (cruciferous veggies)

Isothycynate: inhibit cancer cell growth. (dark greens)

Quercetin: endurance. (apples, onions, berries)

Carotenoids

Example: beta-carotene

Plant Source: Red, orange and green fruits and vegetables broccoli, carrots, cooked tomatoes, leafy greens, sweet potatoes,

cantaloupe, oranges watermelon

Benefits: May inhibit cancer cell

growth, work as antioxidants

and improve immune response

FlavonoidsExample: anthocyanins and quercetin

Plant Source: Apples, citrus fruits, onions, soybeans and soy products, coffee and tea

Benefits: May inhibit inflammation and tumor growth; may help immunity and boost production of detoxifying enzymes in the body

Phytochemical foods Fruits

Blueberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit, lemons limes, mangos and Tomatoes. Grapes

Whole grains

Corn, wheat, oats

Vegetables

carrots, sweet potatoes and winter squash, onions

Different foods There are 5 main color you

should eat to get the necessary amount of phytochemicals

All of these foods are great for an athletes recover time

Aim to consumer two of each color every day!

The Benefits for Athletes

Less time for sore muscles!!!

1. Helps the athlete recover faster in muscle, tissue and joint rebuild.

2. Helps athlete in vitamin control.

3. Fights the inflammation in muscles.

4. Energy is restored in the body after activity.

5. Prevents heart disease

6. Vegetarian Athletes get vitamins and minerals from eating foods who are rich in phytochemicals to restored their energy.

Phytochemicals & thePrevention of Cancer

Evidence shows that certain phytochemicals may help prevent the formation of potential carcinogens.

It also blocks the action of carcinogens on their targets to organ and tissues.

They act on cells to suppress cancer development.

Experts highly recommend the consumption of fruits, vegetables and other plant based foods that contain phytochemicals to reduce their risk of cancer

To Sum Everything Up We also went over the

types of foods that have phytochemicals

The benefits for athletes are amazing, providing quick recovery after intense exercise.

Phytochemicals have also been proven to reduce the risk of cancer

Phytochemicals have disease preventing properties

There are different types of Phytochemicals Isothycynate, Quercetin

We went over the antioxidant properties of Phytochemicals including Carotenoid and Flavonoid.

The EndGroup Presentation by:Stephanie, Tommy, Jenna, Corey, April, John T, Connor