Certified Nutrition Coaching Practice Exam

Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plants that offer various health benefits. They are not classified as essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which the body needs in specific amounts, but they can play significant roles in promoting health and preventing disease. These compounds often have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, contributing to overall well-being.

Phytonutrients can be found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs. They are responsible for the vivid colors, flavors, and disease resistance of plants, and some well-known examples include flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Consuming a diverse array of phytonutrient-rich foods is often recommended as part of a healthy diet, as they can support various bodily functions, enhance the immune system, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

In contrast to this, nutrients added to processed foods are typically synthetic or derived from other sources to enhance flavor, appearance, or nutritional content but do not necessarily provide the same health benefits as naturally occurring phytonutrients. Artificial vitamins found in supplements may provide health benefits but are not the same as phytonutrients since they are not derived from plant sources, and minerals from animal sources do not fall under the category