1. Phytochemicals Phytochemicals are certain organic components of plants which scientists have isolated as being beneficial to human health in a different way from traditional antioxidants. They are sometimes referred to as phytonutrients, but unlike the traditional nutrients (protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), they are not "essential" for life so the term phytochemical is more accurate.

2. TOP TWELVE PHYTO FOODS Soy Tomato Broccoli Garlic Flax seeds Citrus fruits Melons: cantaloupe, watermelon Pink grapefruit Blueberries Sweet potatoes Chili peppers Legumes: beans, and lentils

3. Honorable mention: green tea, red grapes, papaya, carrots, kale, nuts and seeds, eggplant, artichoke, cabbage, brussel sprouts, onions, apples, cauliflower, dried apricots, pumpkin, squash, spinach, mangos, and shiitake mushrooms.

4. Phytochemicals have been proven to be beneficial. They may serve as antioxidants in a bodily system when required; for example, the phytochemical beta- carotene can metabolize to create vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant.

5. Additional Benefits Additionally, phytochemicals may enhance immune response and cell-to-cell communication, allowing for the body's built-in defenses to work more efficiently. Phytochemicals may even alter estrogen metabolism, cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis), repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposure, and detoxify carcinogen..

6. Cancer Fighter Research in this area is expanding rapidly because it appears that phytochemicals offer a measurable amount of protection against oral cancer and other diseases.

7. The prescription of tomorrow? Will phytochemicals be the preferred "prescription" of tomorrow? Possibly, but in any case they are helping teach us more about natural defenses against cancer, and that is a good thing by any name.