Representative literature on the phytonutrients category: Phenolic acids.

Research concerning the benefits derived from dietary polyphenols, a significant class within the family of phytonutrients, has increased considerably in the last decade. Prior to the late 1990s, the nutritional spotlight focused on the antioxidant capabilities of carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals. More recently, however, research has emerged in strong support of the antioxidant capacity of polyphenols and their role in the prevention and/or treatment of certain cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. Polyphenols are categorized according to the nature of their carbon skeleton, ranging from basic phenolic molecules to highly complex compounds, such as flavonoids, the most common and widely studied of all phenolic compounds. The most prevalent phenolic acids include ellagic acid, gallic acid, tannic acid, and capsaicin.