Plants don’t make phytochemicals for our benefit, even though we hijack them to optimize our biology.
The phytochemicals found in the edible plant kingdom are the plants’ messaging system, a means of protection, defense, and survival. These compounds deter pests, prevent the plants from being eaten, increase hardiness, and even communicate messages to other plants, animals, and the trillions of microbes and fungi found within the soil.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, anti-cancer, and disease-fighting medicines proclaim themselves through their bright colors. We should all eat the rainbow of colors regularly—red, green, yellow, orange, and purple plants.
*Do read the Disclaimer