AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Personal Trainer Practice Questions and Study Guide

Phytonutrients are bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their color, flavor, and disease resistance. They are well-known for their protective effects, particularly in relation to heart disease. Various studies have demonstrated that certain phytonutrients can help improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

While antioxidants, which are also a part of the broader category of phytonutrients, play a role in combating oxidative stress, they are not the sole focus of phytonutrients themselves. Similarly, phytonutrients do not directly protect against diseases caused by pathogens or address vitamin deficiencies; their primary role is in promoting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, especially heart-related ailments. This is why heart disease is specifically highlighted as the component most directly associated with the protective effects of phytonutrients.