Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are plant-produced chemicals that may affect human health. They are sometimes commonly referred to as flavonoids, though flavonoids are actually just one type of phytochemical. The benefits of most of the more than 5,000 phytochemicals that have been identified are still largely unknown, but the table below lists the beneficial qualities of the most common phytochemical supplements currently on the market.

Name		Potential Benefits
Allinin (allicin)		Antioxidant. Lowers cholesterol. Fights infection and aids detoxification. Prevents some cancers.
Anthocyanins		Prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
Carotenoids (carotenes)		Antioxidant group. Include lycopene, alpha carotene, beta carotene. Reduce cholesterol. Improve heart function. May fight cancer.
Catechins (ECGC)		Antioxidant group. Cleanse blood and fight clogging of the arteries. May inhibit and block cancer tumor growth.
Quercetin		Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Reduces atherosclerosis. Lowers risk of some cancers. Reduces allergy symptoms.
Resveratrol		Breaks up cholesterol, reducing the clogging of arteries. May also restrict cancerous tumor growth.
Xanthophylls		Antioxidant group. Combat free radicals that attack the eyes.

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