Phytochemicals in Plant Foods Reduce Risk of Frailty and Heart Disease

Special chemicals found in plants called phytochemicals may explain many benefits of a plant-based diet. A meta-analysis of studies on frailty found that phytochemicals are likely why plant-based diets reduce older adults’ risk of falling and other injuries.¹ Another study also found that phytochemicals improve cholesterol and reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.² Citrus fruits, colorful berries, leafy vegetables, and soybeans are especially high in phytochemicals.