Phytochemicals

E / B / A

lyrics

Plant yourself down,
And, take a look around,
Can you see,
How you relate,
To the things before me,
And, on your plate?

This is a rant...
About phyto,
Which means -- plant,
So, quick,
Pronto,
Let's go,
So, that I can fix,
What ails,
And, slow the nails,
From my coffin,
Improving my immune system.

A phytochemical,
Is natural for all,
To use as defense,
Against,
Pollutants and disease,
What it does for the plant,
It can do for you, too.

So, please,
Lay it on the table,
And, if I'm able,
I'll eat it raw,
'cause to put it in a pill,
Is a flaw,
It will kill,
The natural,
It needs to co-exist,
In it's natural state,
To retain,
It's force,
To sustain,
And, remain,
Potent.

How can I resist?

NOTES

Phytochemicals
The Power of Produce
A Fact Sheet from:
Cornell Cooperative Extension-Onondaga County

Phytochemicals may help prevent heart disease, cancer, and menopausal symptoms while providing other health benefits. 'Phyto' means plant and 'chemical' refers to the substance in the plant that provides the color and flavor. These chemicals are the plant's natural defense system against disease, sunlight and oxidation from air and pollutants.

Fortunately, phytochemicals act the same way once we ingest them as they do in the plant. We benefit from their ability to boost our immune systems and increase our resistance to certain diseases. Health benefits are best obtained through the consumption of a varied diet choosing whole plant foods available locally.

Phytochemicals are found in fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and seeds. More obscure sources include licorice, soy and green tea. Some common foods that contain high amounts of phytochemicals include garlic, onion, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, vegetable oil, strawberries, lemons and hot peppers. Note that phytochemicals appear to lose disease-fighting properties when isolated from natural sources and put in a pill form.

Try to choose at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Refer to the chart for a brief list of known phytochemicals, common food sources and potential health benefits.