Our synopsis and notes:
We are familiar with Vitamins and Minerals. Science classifies these group of chemicals as essential nutrients. Essential nutrients means they are essential for sustaining life as they perform hundreds of roles in our body.
Although vitamins and minerals are both chemicals, the former is organic and the latter is inorganic, Vitamins being organic are easily damaged as they react easily with air, water and acid. However, minerals are inorganic chemicals and are easily available in our drinking water, plant, fruits and nuts we consume.
There is another group of plant compounds known as phytochemicals which are considered non-essential nutrients because science considers them as not essential for sustaining life.
Among the many definitions proffered by the scientific community for Phytochemicals here is one:
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).
There are many types of phytochemicals. They are: Carotenoids, Phytosterols, Limonoids, Polyphenols, Glucosinolates, Phytoestrogen, Terpenoids, Fibers, Polysaccharides and Saponins. Flavonoids are a sub-set of polyphenols.
Whilst science still doesn't recognize phytochemicals as essential nutrients because many of them are still under research, their important roles in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is mounting as the days pass by. Perhaps it is time for the scientific community to revisit their earlier stance and reconsider the essential nature of phytochemicals.
One such evidence of the role of phytochemicals in our body is discussed in the article below.
Gut bacteria and flavonoid-rich foods are linked and improve blood pressure levels
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