ABSTRACT
Phytochemicals, also known as phytonutrients, are natural bioactive components rich in foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, tea, dark chocolate, and so on. Although, to date, there have been several thousands of phytochemicals only a small number have been isolated and identified from their sources. The most common phytochemicals in food include polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, indoles, isoflavones, lignans, organosulfures, catechins, phenolic acids, stilbenoids, isothiocyanates, saponins, procyanidins, phenylpropanoids, anthraquinones, ginsenosides, and so on. Although phytochemicals are not considered an essential part of nutrition, a diet rich in phytochemicals has been reported to greatly benefit human health. The current book chapter provides a comprehensive viewpoint on the dietary phytochemicals in personalized nutrition and health.
