Phytochemicals are not antioxidants but have antioxidant properties. They are produced by plants (“phyto” means “plant”). Phytochemicals help to protect plants against disease, and they have similar benefits to our bodies.
According to a July 8 2026 report in University of California Davis Nutrition Department, studies suggest that eating a diet rich in phytochemicals may help:
- strengthen the immune response (1)
- protect healthy cells (2)
- kill unhealthy cells (3)
- block the activity of cancer-causing agents (also called carcinogens) (4)
- regulate hormones (5)
(list provided by UC Davis)
Photochemicals are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and other plant foods. The report points to the fact that vegetarians have lower markedly lower incidence of types of cancers and heart disease.
While research shows the benefits of phytochemicals such as beta-carotene or other carotenoid, they are not able establish the healthy quantity due to lack of understanding of how these nutrients are important to health.
Scientists caution that photochemicals taken alone as a supplement, do not have consistent preventive health effects. It is best when they are mixed with as part of natural food sources.
https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/diet-nutrition/breast-cancer-risk-reduction/foods/phytochemicals
https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/outreach/nutr-health-info-sheets/pro-phytochemical
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