Phytonutrients are crucial for children (and adults) in maintaining good health. These plant-based compounds are what give fruit and vegetables their intense color and extraordinary nutrition, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of cell damage.

Did you know? Phytonutrients provide protection to us in the same way that they provide protection to the plant from harmful environmental factors and disease.

We are uncovering more about phytonutrients and phytochemicals from plants every day, and learning more about how they specifically assist in boosting health. What we do know is that plant foods reduce chronic disease. When we are eating plant foods we tend to have lower rates of chronic disease which improves health parameters into old age.

What we feed our kids now, will impact them later in life.

Phenolics, alkaloids, carotenoids, phytosterols, organosulfur compounds, and nitrogen-containing compounds are all phytochemicals, which are the non-nutritive compounds in plants. There are thousands of these different phytochemicals; perhaps between 5000 to 10,000+ in our food supply.

Phytochemicals are within fruits and vegetables, but also within nuts, seeds, wholegrains, herbs, and spices.

Colour and personalised nutrition

Food is medicine and colour is medicine. Different coloured foods provide different nutrient value to the body. Even small amounts of these phytonutrients in our diet, provides a significant impact.

Did you know? Phytonutrients have physiological location specificity. That means that our bodies are receptive to lodging these phytonutrients in certain parts of us, in different organs. For example, blue purple foods are good for the brain, orange beta-carotene is concentrated in the ovaries.

Does your child have colour deficiency in daily eating?

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommends the following number of serves per day (1 serve = approximately ½ a cup):

Toddlers	Vegetables and legumes	Fruit
Girls and boys 1–2 years	2-3	0.5
Girls and boys 2-3 years	2.5	1

 

Children	Vegetables and legumes	Fruit
Girls 4-8 years	4.5	1.5
Girls 9-11 years	5	2
Boys 4-8 years	4.5	1.5
Boys 9-11 years	5	2

 

Adolescents	Vegetables and legumes	Fruit
Girls 12-13 years	5	2
Girls 14-18 years	5	2
Boys 12-13 years	5.5	2
Boys 14-18 years	5.5	2

Did you know? Botanical diversity is important. Smaller amounts of many different phytochemicals may have greater beneficial effects than larger amounts of fewer phytochemicals

A well balanced intake from all food colours will provide optimal intake of phytonutrients.

The importance of colour

Red

Contains lycopene, Anthocyanins. Reduces the risk of prostate, breast, and skin cancer; reduces the risk of heart attacks.

>>Include tomato-based products, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, cranberries, beetroot, red apples, red cabbage, red onion, kidney beans.

Orange

Contains beta-carotene, bioflavonoids. Boosts immunity, reduces risk for cancer, reduces risk of heart attacks, maintains strong bones/teeth, healthy skin helps maintain good vision.

>>Include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, mangos, apricots, peaches, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines, clementines, peaches, papaya, apricots, nectarines, pears.

Green and yellow

Contains lutein, Zeaxanthin, Indoles, chlorophyll, Phytosterols. Helps maintain good vision, cholesterol reduction, anti-inflammatory, reduces the risk of cancer, reduces the risk of cataracts.

>>Include kale, spinach, leafy greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, green peas, kiwifruit, honeydew, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy, arugula, swiss chard, turnips, rutabaga, watercress, cauliflower, linseed (flax), sesame seeds, fenugreek, oats, beans, lentils, alfalfa.

Indigo

Contains Anthocyanins and phenolics. Reduces the risk of cancer, powerful antioxidant, helps control high blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart attacks, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

>>Include blueberries, blackberries, blue potatoes, blue carrots, purple grapes, black currants, elderberries, plums, prunes, raisins, eggplant.

Synergistic effects

A diet filled with variety of phytonutrients will boost their effectiveness because when certain phytonutrients are combined, they have a more positive effect.

Good synergistic food combinations:

Green Tea + Citrus: Citrus fruits help preserve the catechins in green tea

Turmeric + Black pepper: The anti-cancer activity of curcumin – the main phytochemical in the spice turmeric- increased by a factor of 1000 in the presence of piperine (in black pepper).

Turmeric and Green Tea: Has a synergistic effect on cancer cells

Chopped or crushed garlic: The anti-cancer compound diallyl disulfide is made when garlic is left to sit for 10 minutes after being crushed or chopped

High phytonutrient-containing foods to include as often as possible are

Carrots

Broccoli

Brussel Sprouts

Kale

Watercress

Swiss Chard

Bok Choy

Rocket

Spinach

Cauliflower

Tomatoes

Strawberries

Blackberries

Red capsicum

Garlic

How to increase your phytonutrient intake

Always aim for colorful plates

Cooking reduces the phytonutrient content, so consume some foods raw and others steamed, which is preferred to boiling or frying.

Smoothies are a great way to hide plant foods for children who may not want to consume them.

Load up and include plants (vegetables, herbs, spices) in your child’s favourite meal such as spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, pizza.

Take the first steps and book your child’s initial consult here

Yvette is a qualified Melbourne-based Naturopath and Nutritionist, MINDD Practitioner, member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, and Complementary Medicine Association. Yvette specialises in the treatment of conditions commonly affecting women and children, with a key interest in children’s digestive and neurological conditions, as well as women’s hormonal concerns, digestive issues, fatigue, anxiety, and skin concerns. Yvette consults in South Yarra, Melbourne, as well as Australia-wide via skype/zoom/phone. 

The Naturopathic Co. Melbourne Naturopath 2020