Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Oral Health and Nutrition
Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals, known as antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytonutrients are chemical compounds produced by plants and are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, spices, nuts and seeds. The following table provides examples of phytochemicals and the foods in which they are found. Recent studies have discovered numerous health benefits and disease prevention properties in phytochemicals.¹¹

Antioxidants are also known as “free radical scavengers” as they serve as protectors from free radical cell damage. By incorporating more colorful fruits and vegetables – especially those with purple, red, orange, and yellow hues, you will be certain to include beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, the three superstar antioxidants in your diet.¹¹ Recent studies have not yielded the same result by taking antioxidant supplements, thus eating foods rich in fruits and vegetables is still the best way to incorporate antioxidants in your diet.¹⁴