Phytonutrients Made Simple | Part 3 of 4 Glucosinolates work differently from polyphenols and carotenoids. Rather than acting as antioxidants themselves, they trigger the body's internal defence systems, a distinction that makes them one of the more scientifically fascinating categories in functional nutrition. Found predominantly in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and rocket, glucosinolates are relatively inert until the plant is ch

Phytonutrients Made Simple | Part 4 of 4 The previous three parts of this series explored plant compounds that support antioxidant defences, cellular protection, and the body's internal detoxification pathways. Part 4 moves into newer territory: geroprotectors. Geroprotectors are compounds that target the biological mechanisms of ageing itself, not just managing its symptoms, but intervening at the cellular and molecular level to slow or reverse aspects of cellular decline.

TL;DR The global supplement industry is booming, but regulators in both the US and EU are tightening oversight of ingredients, safety claims, and novel food technologies. In the US, the FDA is closing the Self GRAS loophole and stepping up enforcement of New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notifications. In Europe, EFSA is raising the bar on health claim evidence, and the proposed EU BioTech Act signals stricter governance of precision fermentation and microbial ingredients. For sup

Phytonutrients Made Simple | Part 2 of 4 Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments responsible for the reds, oranges, and yellows in carrots, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Beyond colour, they play meaningful roles in human biology, particularly in eye health, skin protection, and cellular resilience. With growing consumer interest in 'beauty from within' and longevity-focused nutrition, carotenoids have become both scientifically compelling and commercially relevant [1,2]. What Are

Phytonutrients Made Simple | Part 1 of 4 What do blueberries, dark chocolate, red wine, and green tea have in common? They're all rich in polyphenols, a vast family of plant compounds that have become one of the most studied areas in modern nutrition science. Plants produce these molecules as a chemical shield: protecting themselves from UV radiation, pathogens, and oxidative stress. But they turn out to be remarkably useful for human biology too, with a growing body of rese