Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and that give the plant its characteristic colors, odors, or flavors. The word phytochemical literally means plant chemical, as the prefix "phyto" means "plant" in Greek. The color and smell of some phytochemicals can be useful to the plant in attracting bees for pollination. Some phytochemicals protect plants from destructive insects and microbes. The colored pigments in the skin of fruits and vegetables protect the plant from sun damage. The color of a plant indicates what phytochemicals are present, what nutritional value the plant has. Eat a variety of colors to get the full range of phytochemicals in your diet. Red fruits and vegetables contain a powerful carotenoid called lycopene. Lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of many types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Lycopene is also linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are one of the best sources of lycopene, especially when cooked. The heating process actually makes the carotenoids more easily absorbed by the b...