Phytochemicals and health: new perspectives on plant based nutrition

Whether it is vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian, it is difficult to avoid the increasing popularity of plant based diets.  In 2014, it was reported that 12% of adults in the UK were vegetarian or vegan, and 21% of Americans reported eating less meat in the past 12 months. Although a recent study suggested that globally, the vegetarian population represents just under 10%.  Whilst some individuals choose plants over meat for environmental and sustainability reasons, there is increasing evidence of additional health benefits of reducing meat in the diet, particularly red meat. Plant based diets are often linked with improved health outcomes.  Whilst the mechanism for protection is not fully understood, it has been hypothesised that the phytochemicals contained in plants may benefit consumer health. Phytochemicals are found in all plants and are key in protecting the plant from environmental stressors.  These compounds have been linked with much of the disease protection associated with diets high in fruits, vegetables, beans and cereals.  There are reportedly thousands of phytochemicals so it is little wonder that these plant derived compounds have peaked the interest of Nutrition Researchers in recent years. Health and disease preventionThere is evidence to suggest that consuming foods high in phytochemicals may reduce risk of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, some cancers, Alzheimer’s and Type II Diabetes as well as playing a role in healthy aging...
Source: The Nutrition Society - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: news