Phytonutrients are plant adaptations that we can inherit degrees of protection from by consuming plants abundant in them. Plants (vegetable, fruit, tree (nut and seed), or herb) are made of cells that are coded and replicated with DNA molecules comprised of genes, just like us. The purpose is the same except the genes and DNA are different, which creates the diversity of life. Our body uses mitochondria to fuel our cells (made by mtDNA). Plants use chloroplasts to fuel their cells (made by ctDNA). Both mitochondria and chloroplasts deliver the same form of energy to cells (ATP). These fundamental similarities in cellular function mean we can also benefit from plant adaptations for protecting their cells (and the DNA inside).

Plants are susceptible to ionizing radiation, just as we are. They can exhibit mutations or wither and die with exposures to ionizing radiation. Radiation can damage DNA and produces free-radicals in the cells of plants, the same as it does in humans. Humans and plants have adaptations and key organic molecules to protect us from environmental stresses, like radiation.

Phytonutrients provide protection to the plant and this protection can be transferred to us when we consume them. Plants contain thousands of phytonutrients each that serve key functions, but also protect them from various forms of cellular damage. Phytonutrients give the plant, vegetables, and fruits their color and influence taste and smell. By ‘eating the rainbow,’ and including all possible colors, we can be sure we consume plenty and all of our needed nutrients.

The most famous phytonutrients we find in our food include:

• Beta-carotene (carrots)
• Lycopene (tomatoes)
• Quercetin (onions and dark red fruits)
• Isoflavones (soy)
• Lignins (sesamol)
• Resveratrol (red grapes/wine)
• Ellagic acid (berries and pomegranates)
• Glucosinolates (cruciferous vegetables)
• Curcumin (turmeric)
• Catechins (tea, coffee, chocolate).

Include all of these in the diet often and you will be healing and protecting from radiation.  Just one function of phytonutrients is to neutralize free-radicals. Microwave and cellular radiation, and of course ionizing radiation, create free-radicals which damage cells, tissues, and DNA. The more innate free-radical scavenging and repairing qualities you can incorporate, the better. We have amazing enzymatic antioxidants in the body, but the genetic lineage and adaptations of plants over their longer time on this planet, gives them an amazing and wide variety of adaptations we can benefit from.

Consume organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, leaves, flowers, and roots as often as you can and in as much variety as you can!