Potential Role of Phytochemicals of Fruits and Vegetables in Human Diet

Intake of fruit and vegetables, pigments, juices and nutraceuticals prevent the risk of common form of cancer and many other harmful diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, neurological disorders and eye related disorders etc. Phytochemicals show strong antioxidant activity either alone or in combination form. β-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C and other phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables offers beneficial roles in prevention of various diseases Literature revealed that lycopene has a protective effect against carcinogens in liver, brain, colon, breast, cervix and in prostate. Lycopene is present in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruits, apricots, and pink guavas. Vitamin C have an excellent antioxidant potential which plays a very crucial role in bone formation, wound healing, and protect immune system. Vitamin C is mainly found in Indian gooseberry, citrus fruits like orange and lemon, tomatoes, potatoes, papaya, kiwifruit, strawberries, broccoli. The purpose of this review is to provide a general description or awareness of phytochemicals and their role in prevention of many diseases such as-cancer, cardiovascular disorders, eye disorders and hypertension.