What is the Difference Between Antioxidants and Phytochemicals?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Antioxidants and phytochemicals are both found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. They have various health benefits, but they are not the same thing. Here are the key differences between them:
- Definition: Antioxidants are substances that help prevent cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as "free radicals". Phytochemicals, also called phytonutrients, are natural compounds found in plant substances.
- Function: Antioxidants specifically target free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Phytochemicals, on the other hand, have various functions, such as mimicking hormones, altering cholesterol absorption, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and blocking certain enzymes' actions.
- Relationship: Not all antioxidants are phytochemicals, and not all phytochemicals are antioxidants. However, some phytochemicals, like carotenoids, can act as antioxidants.
Examples of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties include lycopene, found in tomatoes and watermelon, and ellagic acid, found in berries and pomegranates. While antioxidants and phytochemicals both contribute to overall health, they have distinct roles and functions within the body. It is essential to consume a variety of plant-based foods to benefit from the various compounds they offer.
Comparative Table: Antioxidants vs Phytochemicals
Here is a table highlighting the differences between antioxidants and phytochemicals:
| Feature | Antioxidants | Phytochemicals |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Antioxidants are substances that prevent damage to cells from highly reactive, unstable molecules called "free radicals". | Phytochemicals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds found in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. |
| Function | Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and remove their power to create damage. | Many phytochemicals act as antioxidants, but they also have other biological activities and health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory action, anticancer, anti-aging, and protective action for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. |
| Examples | Vitamins C and E, and the mineral selenium are examples of antioxidants. | Some examples of phytochemicals include tannins, flavones, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, and alkaloids. |
| Sources | Antioxidants can be found in various food sources, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. | Phytochemicals are found in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. |
It is essential to note that many phytochemicals act as antioxidants, but not all antioxidants are phytochemicals. Additionally, the effects of phytochemicals in laboratory tests may not accurately depict their effects in the human body.
- Flavonoids vs Polyphenols
- Chlorophyll vs Carotenoids
- Carotene vs Carotenoid
- Flavonoids vs Isoflavonoids
- Phenols vs Polyphenols
- Anthocyanins vs Anthoxanthins
- Tocopherols vs Tocotrienols
- Anthocyanin vs Anthocyanidin
- Cytochrome vs Phytochrome
- Lycopene vs Beta Carotene
- Dietary Supplements vs Nutraceuticals
- Xanthophyll vs Carotene
- Astaxanthin vs Zeaxanthin
- Free Radicals vs Reactive Oxygen Species
- Alkaloid vs Flavonoid
- Food Additives vs Preservatives
- Cannabidiol vs Phytocannabinoids
- Phytoestrogens vs Xenoestrogens
- Phycocyanin vs Phycoerythrin