ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies a range of phytonutrients and other healthful bioactive food components recognised as essential for health. It describes the possible biological roles fulfilled by certain phytonutrients and their contribution to the health effects of plant-based foods. Foods contain many compounds in addition to traditional nutrients. Classifications of phytonutrients can be made in accordance with plant source, chemistry or functions. A problem in considering the place of phytonutrients in human health is that they are numerous, alongside a few known essential nutrients, and therefore, their net interactive effect ultimately requires a study of food itself and food patterns. Phytonutrients may almost be regarded as pharmaceuticals rather than dietary nutrients when they are used to manage clinical conditions. Examination of the associations between dietary phytonutrient intake and health outcomes of general or specific populations is also key to establishing national food and health policies to sustain national health and productivity.
