Eating more plant-based foods, rich in substances called phytochemicals, seems to prevent oxidative stress in the body, a process associated with obesity and the onset of disease, according to the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. To get enough of these protective phytochemicals, researchers suggest eating plant-based foods such as leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes.
The researchers studied a group of 54 young adults, analyzing their dietary patterns over a three-day period, repeating the same measurement eight weeks later. The participants were broken into two groups: normal weight and overweight-obese. Although the adults in the two groups consumed about the same amount of calories, overweight-obese adults consumed fewer plant-based foods and subsequently fewer protective trace minerals and phytochemicals and more saturated fats. They also had higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation than their normal-weight peers. These processes are related to the onset of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and joint disease.
Currently, there are no recommendations for how much of these plant compounds people should be getting each day. Using a phytochemical index could be a good way to come up with these recommendations.
Bonnie - most of my clients meet the phytochemical requirements, but for those who need a product rich in phytochemicals, we have Metagenics Phytoganix.
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