Fight Inflammation with Phytochemicals
Plant-based foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, contain phytochemicals, which may provide desirable health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
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The Clean 14 plan is rich in phytochemicals, naturally occurring plant chemicals that give plant-based foods color, fragrance and flavor. When you ingest phytochemicals, they help your body in completing thousands of biochemical processes, such as stimulating your immune system, blocking substances from becoming carcinogens, decreasing inflammation, and protecting and repairing DNA. Here are common categories of phytochemicals, how they help your body and the foods you’ll find them in.
FLAVONOIDS: May inhibit inflammation and tumor growth, immune strengthening and help form detoxification pathways.
FOUND IN: Apples, citrus, coffee, onions, soybeans and tea
CAROTENOIDS: May prevent cancer cell growth, improve immune response and act as an antioxidant.
FOUND IN: Broccoli, carrots, cooked tomatoes, leafy greens and sweet potatoes
INDOLES AND GLUCOSINOLATES: May assist with detoxification of carcinogens and reduce production of cancer-related hormones.
FOUND IN: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale)
ISOTHIOCYANATES: May assist with detoxification of carcinogens, block tumor growth, and act as an antioxidant.
FOUND IN: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale)
POLYPHENOLS: May fight inflammation, prevent cancer formation and act as an antioxidant.
FOUND IN: Plums, berries, sweet cherries, green tea, grapes and wine