Phytochemicals are health promoting substances that are found in plants. They act as antioxidants in plants protecting them from the oxidative effects of free radicals found in UV light (and now pollution). Phytochemicals also protect plants form disease by protecting them from pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
The good news is that when we eat phytochemical rich fruits and plants they also help to protect us from diseases like cancer, heart disease and more.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is found abundantly in carrots and other orange colored fruits and vegetables like yams and papaya. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, a vitamin that is essential for eye health. Vitamin A deficiency will lead to night blindness and eventually complete blindness.