Phytochemicals literally just means "chemicals from a plant", which include the infamous antioxidants as well as toxins, hormone disruptors, GABA agonists and other poisons in general.
Some fruits have some compounds, along thousands of unspecified others, which seem to have a beneficial effect, most often in-vitro.
Regarding polyphenols, there is no hard, concrete evidence that any have actual positive health benefits.
One thing is for sure, the marketing surrounding these "5 a day to be healthy" is extremely strong and widespread.
Some fruits have some compounds, along thousands of unspecified others, which seem to have a beneficial effect, most often in-vitro.
Regarding polyphenols, there is no hard, concrete evidence that any have actual positive health benefits.
One thing is for sure, the marketing surrounding these "5 a day to be healthy" is extremely strong and widespread.