What are phyto foods?
Phyto foods are plant-based foods (“phyto” means from a plant) that offer a potent defence against a wide range of diseases, including certain cancers, heart disease, stroke and diabetes, say experts. But the real power of these foods is in the whole food not just one or two of its beneficial components. Take tomatoes, for example. News reports have touted the anti-cancer and heart-healthy attributes of lycopene, the red pigment or carotenoid in tomatoes. And while tomatoes also provide many well-recognized nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and fibre, a lesser known fact is that the gel around tomato seeds a part of the food that is often discarded contains a substance that lowers the risk of blood clots that could potentially cause a heart attack or stroke. Add extra punch Dishes that pair combos of phyto foods step up the disease-fighting capabilities even further. A splash of extra-virgin olive oil on your tomato sauce aids in the absorption of lycopene. Olive oil, itself, provide
