Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are active, chemical compounds naturally produced by and found in plants. Generally produced through metabolic processes, phytochemicals serve various functions for the plants that produce them. In foods and supplements, they're not considered essential nutrients, but do serve various functions that help support overall health.

Phytochemicals can be broken down into a couple major categories: Carotenoids and Polyphenols, both of which can be further categorized.

Examples of commonly used phytochemicals in foods and supplements include: β-Carotene, Lycopene, Rutin, Zeaxanthin, Curcumin.

Phytochemical ingredients may be found in purified/concentrated form as an active component in a botanical extract.