Phytonutrients (from WebMd)

Plant foods contain thousands of natural chemicals. These are called phytonutrients or phytochemicals."Phyto" refers to the Greek word for plant. These chemicals help protect plants from germs, fungi, bugs, and other threats.

Fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients. Other plant-based foods also contain phytonutrients, such as:

(1) Whole grains
(2) Nuts
(3) Beans
(4) Tea

Phytonutrients aren't essential for keeping you alive, unlike the vitamins and minerals that plant foods contain. 

But when you eat or drink phytonutrients, they may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly.

More than 25,000 phytonutrients are found in plant foods. WebMD takes a look at these six important phytonutrients -- and their potential health effects:

(a) Carotenoids
(b) Ellagic acid
(c) Flavonoids
(d) Resveratrol
(e) Glucosinolates
(f) Phytoestrogens

For details, please visit

http://www.webmd.com/diet/phytonutrients-faq