Phytochemicals: Sources, Chemical structure and Health benefits

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants, to help them resist fungi, bacteria, and plant virus infections, and consumption by insects and other animals. Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and plant-based beverages has long-term health benefits. Which is due to presence of certain bioactive compounds termed as phytochemicals. Few examples of well-known phytochemicals are the flavonoids, phenolic acids, isoflavones, curcumin, isothiocyanates, and carotenoids They are used as neuroprotective, antioxidant, antiulcer, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, estrogenic, and in the treatment of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and menopausal symptoms in women.