How are phytochemicals different from vitamins?
Nutrients are substances found in food that are necessary for the functioning of the body. There are six classes of nutrients.
- Water
- Carbohydrate
- Protein
- Lipids
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants. Phytochemicals aren't classified as nutrients because they aren't known to be essential for life and growth. Their role in health and nutrition is not yet fully understood and much of the research is only preliminary. However, many phytochemicals appear to play important roles in reducing the risk of disease.