Phytochemical rich foods reduce weight gain and inflammation

Phytochemicals occur naturally in plants, especially richly colored vegetables and fruits. This interesting study reports that a Phytochemical Index (PI), derived from the proportional amount of phytochemical-rich foods in the subjects' diets, correlated with weight-gain, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and plasma oxidative stress (linked to inflammation). "The PI score was a significant contributor to yearly weight gain." This confirms an additional benefit from a diet whose carbohydrate portion is mainly from low-glycemic vegetables and fruits.