phytonutrient

noun phy·to·nu·tri·ent \ ˌfī-tō-ˈnü-trē-ənt , -ˈnyü- \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

Definition of phytonutrient

: a bioactive plant-derived compound (such as resveratrol) associated with positive health effects

Recent Examples of phytonutrient from the Web

More: Healthy Table: Daily cup or two of coffee may have health benefits More: Rhubarb: How to cook, store, freeze the perfect pie plant Strawberries also contain a variety of phytonutrients.

— darlene zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Make a salsa with strawberries instead of tomatoes," 2 June 2018
These deep-blue jewels of mother nature, with their firm, dewy skin and soft, pleasantly jelled flesh, also offer the gift of good health, being incredibly high in disease-fighting phytonutrients.

— ashleigh spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Little blue dynamos,' blueberries pack in flavor and nutrients," 11 June 2018
Grape or cherry tomatoes have more lycopene and other phytonutrients per ounce than large tomatoes.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Get the most out of your food with these tips," 11 Jan. 2018
Studies show that the different colored sweet potatoes may contain varying levels of phytonutrients, the health-promoting chemicals found in plants.

— caroline walder, Good Housekeeping, "Sweet Potatoes Are Officially One of the Best Carbs You Can Eat," 5 Mar. 2018
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and health-promoting phytonutrients, sweet potatoes are good for you and easy to prepare.

— caroline walder, Good Housekeeping, "Sweet Potatoes Are Officially One of the Best Carbs You Can Eat," 5 Mar. 2018
The main compound that gives chilies their signature kick is a phytonutrient called capsaicin.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "Is It Dangerous to Eat Really Hot Peppers?," 6 Feb. 2018
Now Soy milk also contains phytonutrients known as isoflavones, which have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.

— amanda macmillan, Time, "This Type of Non-Dairy Milk is the Healthiest, Study Says," 30 Jan. 2018
Apples also contain a variety of phytonutrients, or plant nutrients, being studied for their anti-cancer effects.

— darlene zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Healthy Table: Apple Walnut Bread is quick and easy for the holidays and good for you too," 17 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phytonutrient.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.