Phytochemicals: Bioactive Compounds Found in Foods

What are phytochemicals?

Choose the correct answer:

a. Essential nutrients

b. Bioactive compounds found in foods

c. Nonessential nutrients

d. Have no biological activity in the body

Answer:

Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants, having significant health benefits even though they are not essential nutrients.

Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants. They are not classified as essential nutrients because our bodies don't require them for life or to maintain health, making option c a correct statement as well. However, phytochemicals do have biological activity in the body (contradicting statement d). They can influence various systems in our bodies and are known to contribute to our health, largely through their antioxidant properties. For example, flavonoids, a type of phytochemical, have been linked to improved heart health.

Phytochemicals have a beneficial biological activity in the body, often associated with their antioxidant properties.