To explain what phytotherapy is, it is important to contextualize that many plants are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds with therapeutic effects Rapé. Thus, phytotherapy is linked to the study of these components and their applications for health treatments and to benefit the functioning of the human body.
In this post, a little more will be presented about the technique, how it works and its benefits. Furthermore, the content will be deepened by bringing the concept and example of phytochemicals, an active compound present in plants with an important protective role.
Follow along!
After all, what is herbal medicine?
Phytotherapy is a technique that studies the therapeutic functions of plants and vegetables for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Doctors, nutritionists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and other professionals are trained to recommend herbal medicines to their patients, with the aim of improving the body, helping to combat diseases and prevent health problems.
Origin
The term has Greek origins: “phyton”, which means “vegetable”, and “therapeia”, which refers to “treatment”. In this way, the technique is based on an ancient culture of using plants to take care of health.
It is worth highlighting that phytotherapy is continually added to studies and analyzes in the scientific field. In this context, research evaluates the chemical, toxicological and pharmacological performance of medicinal plants and active ingredients.
How does herbal medicine work?
Plants naturally produce substances for their own development. Whether for growth, reproduction, defense against environmental adversities or for their formation, they end up producing active compounds that have important therapeutic effects for the human body.
When the benefits related to these substances are evident, they can be used in herbal medicines , manipulated or industrialized. There are still options with the plant in natura , such as teas.
It is important to highlight that bioactive plant compounds undergo a process of testing, analysis and monitoring by public health institutions to ensure appropriate and safe use.
What are the benefits of herbal medicine?
In addition to its positive role in health treatments, phytotherapy has other benefits, such as its natural composition, available biodiversity and fewer side effects. Follow below for more details on each of them.
Composition
Phytotherapy relies exclusively on substances of plant origin for the composition of herbal medicines, without synthetic components.
Biodiversity
The countless species of plants and foods of plant origin open up possibilities for the discovery of new active ingredients and phytotherapeutic solutions. Specifically, Brazil has a great diversity of vegetables, which can encourage the development of the technique and make more options available.
Side effects
The fact that a medicine is natural does not mean that it has no side effects or contraindications! Therefore, monitoring by a healthcare professional is recommended.
In addition to knowing what herbal medicine is, it is important to know substances that produce the effects of the technique. Among them, phytochemicals are important active ingredients for protecting plants and foods of plant origin, such as fruits, vegetables, grains and algae.
Check out how phytochemicals can also protect the human body.
What are phytochemicals?
Phytochemicals are compounds found naturally in plants whose properties are defense or disease prevention. In our body, they also perform a protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, bactericidal function, and stimulate the immune system.
Benefits of phytochemicals for the body
Some studies show the beneficial role of phytochemicals in the body and point to effects that help improve health. Among them, it is possible to mention that:
stimulate the immune system against excess free radicals and other agents;
reduce oxidation, the damage to cells that occurs with aging and exposure to pollution;
reduce inflammation which provides a favorable environment for disease;
block the potential of carcinogenic substances from the diet and the environment;
decrease the growth rate of cancer cells;
promote the death of damaged cells;
prevent DNA damage and help with its repair mechanism;
They help regulate hormones, such as estrogen and insulin.
5 foods rich in phytochemicals
Many foods of plant origin have important phytochemicals in their formation. For this post, 5 foods were selected that contain bioactive compounds with benefits for the human body and that can be included in the diet or in phytotherapeutic indications to improve health and protect the body.
Berries
Berries ( blueberries , blackberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries and cranberries) are considered one of the best sources of bioactive compounds and are rich in anthocyanins. These are pigments that, in addition to coloring fruits in tones from red to blue, are related to:
improved vision, especially at night;
positive effects in reducing and inhibiting tumor cells linked to cancer;
cardiovascular protection and improvement of blood pressure;
aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity;
optimization of cognitive and motor functions.
Cocoa
Rich in several bioactive compounds, cocoa has, in addition to antioxidant characteristics, other important functions to protect the body, such as:
reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
provides a feeling of pleasure and well-being by stimulating the production of serotonin and dopamine, known as happiness hormones .
Coffee
Coffee’s phytochemicals, which include chlorogenic acids and caffeine , are probably the antioxidant substances most regularly consumed by coffee-loving Brazilians. In addition to imparting flavor to the drink, chlorogenic acids exert:
protective effect of DNA against oxidative stress;
increased levels of glutathione (an important antioxidant), contributing to reducing the risk associated with cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Green Tea
One of the main bioactives in green tea is the EGCG catechin – an important antioxidant compound – which has effects such as:
increased metabolic action;
stimulation of fat burning;
increased vasodilation, which favors the transport of oxygen to muscle tissues and, consequently, improved performance during physical activities.
Tomato
It is considered an antioxidant food and is rich in lycopene , the substance responsible for the reddish color of tomatoes, which has important properties, such as:
protective effect against heart disease;
prevention and protection against cancer, especially prostate cancer;
It is better absorbed and bioavailable when heated, which is why tomato sauce is a suitable option for consumption.
In addition to knowing what phytotherapy is, knowing the substances present in the composition of plants and foods of plant origin, such as phytochemicals, is important to know which are the most suitable for each treatment.
With a focus on protecting the body, phytochemicals have medicinal functions and an important role in optimizing our health.
To expand your knowledge about other therapies and sciences such as phytotherapy, read the content on homeopathy and understand a little more about the subject.