: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 17 Apr. 2024
In host switching, new adaptations are required to adapt to plants in novel lineages with phytochemical defenses the insect has never before encountered in its evolutionary history.
—Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
Oats also contain the phytochemical avenanthramide that may help to protect the heart and prevent colon cancer, although more research is needed.
—Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023
To ensure transparency, Exhale Wellness has taken up a policy to provide a phytochemical analysis report of its products as well.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022
The ability of black sesame seeds to bind to toxic heavy metals may be attributed to lignans, a type of phytochemical commonly found in plants and a major component of sesame seeds.
—Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2016
Again, more research is needed, but barley has a phytochemical called phytosterols.
—Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 21 Aug. 2020
Blind tasting puts Louisville to the test Other sources of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral selenium, and the phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2018
Particularly high in Vitamin C, kohlrabi’s rich phytochemical content makes it a disease fighting powerhouse.
—Katie Cavuto, Ms, Rd, Philly.com, 28 June 2017
Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024
Along with the sheer abundance of anti oxidants and phytochemicals found in plant foods, high-fiber intake—from eating piles of beans and whole grains—promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 21 June 2024
Their findings showed that orange peel extracts — rich in beneficial phytochemicals — worked to inhibit the enzyme responsible for trimethylamine, a gut bacteria that increases blood pressure.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2024
These phytochemicals are thought to help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of some cancers.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024
However, what’s lost are not only the fiber, natural vitamins, and minerals, but also phytochemicals (plant compounds) with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic effects.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 23 May 2024
The herb is a source of phytochemicals that help decrease oxidative stress.10 Oxidative stress is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals, which are harmful substances that damage cells.
—Lisa Desantis, Health, 1 June 2024
Plant Nutrients Keep You Healthy Collectively, the nutrients found in plants are called phytochemicals, according to Debbie Fetter, a researcher and assistant professor of nutrition at the University of California Davis.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2024
Additionally, vegetables with high amounts of phytochemicals like carotenoids and chlorophyll have been found to play a role in inhibiting the growth of tumors and reducing cancer risk.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024
Adjective
What’s more, peeling the vegetable with bare hands can leave palms and fingernails a ghoulish brown for days, thanks to a phytochemical called cynarin that stains the skin.
—Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 17 Apr. 2024
In host switching, new adaptations are required to adapt to plants in novel lineages with phytochemical defenses the insect has never before encountered in its evolutionary history.
—Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
Oats also contain the phytochemical avenanthramide that may help to protect the heart and prevent colon cancer, although more research is needed.
—Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023
To ensure transparency, Exhale Wellness has taken up a policy to provide a phytochemical analysis report of its products as well.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022
The ability of black sesame seeds to bind to toxic heavy metals may be attributed to lignans, a type of phytochemical commonly found in plants and a major component of sesame seeds.
—Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2016
Again, more research is needed, but barley has a phytochemical called phytosterols.
—Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 21 Aug. 2020
Blind tasting puts Louisville to the test Other sources of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral selenium, and the phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2018
Particularly high in Vitamin C, kohlrabi’s rich phytochemical content makes it a disease fighting powerhouse.
—Katie Cavuto, Ms, Rd, Philly.com, 28 June 2017
Noun
In addition to the vitamins and minerals found in kale, the cruciferous vegetable contains phytochemicals like beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin that are important for eye health.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024
Along with the sheer abundance of anti oxidants and phytochemicals found in plant foods, high-fiber intake—from eating piles of beans and whole grains—promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 21 June 2024
Their findings showed that orange peel extracts — rich in beneficial phytochemicals — worked to inhibit the enzyme responsible for trimethylamine, a gut bacteria that increases blood pressure.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2024
These phytochemicals are thought to help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of some cancers.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024
However, what’s lost are not only the fiber, natural vitamins, and minerals, but also phytochemicals (plant compounds) with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic effects.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 23 May 2024
The herb is a source of phytochemicals that help decrease oxidative stress.10 Oxidative stress is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals, which are harmful substances that damage cells.
—Lisa Desantis, Health, 1 June 2024
Plant Nutrients Keep You Healthy Collectively, the nutrients found in plants are called phytochemicals, according to Debbie Fetter, a researcher and assistant professor of nutrition at the University of California Davis.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2024
Additionally, vegetables with high amounts of phytochemicals like carotenoids and chlorophyll have been found to play a role in inhibiting the growth of tumors and reducing cancer risk.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phytochemical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phytochemical
1 of 2 adjective
phy·to·chem·i·cal
-ˈkem-i-kəl 
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemical
2 of 2 noun
: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants
especially
: phytonutrient
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