Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are substances in food that have health benefits in addition to vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Studies have shown that eating foods containing phytochemicals may reduce the risk of developing many diseases and help to promote good health.

Dietary sources of phytochemicals include:

• fruit (eg. lycopene in tomatoes, carotenoids in oranges)
• vegetables (eg. isoflavones in soy beans, quercetin in onions)
• tea (flavonols)
• wine (flavonols)
• dried beans and lentils, seeds and nuts

Phytoestrogens are a type of phytochemical that are similar to the female hormone 'oestrogen'. Some studies have shown that eating foods containing phytoestrogens can help to reduce the symptoms of menopause and may reduce the risk of some diseases. Phytoestrogens can be found in:

• soy beans
• tofu
• chickpeas
• lentils
• linseed

Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including dried beans and lentils will provide a range of phytochemicals that can help to promote health and prevent disease.

An Accredited Practising Dietitian can provide expert nutrition and dietary advice on how to eat more foods containing phytochemicals each day.