Final Answer:
Phytochemicals like polyphenols can bind to minerals, affecting their bioavailability. Phytochemicals influence mineral absorption in food.Therefore the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phytochemicals, found in plant-based foods, can impact mineral absorption. These compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, can bind to minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc, influencing their bioavailability. Some phytochemicals can form complexes with minerals, hindering or enhancing their absorption. For instance, tannins in tea and coffee can bind to iron, reducing its absorption, while vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables, can enhance iron absorption by converting non-heme iron into a more absorbable form. These interactions play a crucial role in how effectively our bodies absorb minerals from the foods we consume.
Phytochemicals, abundant in plant-based foods, encompass a diverse range of compounds that impact mineral absorption. For instance, oxalates in spinach and rhubarb can bind with calcium, reducing its absorption, while phytates in grains and legumes can hinder the absorption of minerals like zinc and iron.
On the flip side, some phytochemicals, like those in citrus fruits and berries, can enhance mineral absorption. This interplay highlights how our dietary choices significantly influence the body's ability to absorb essential minerals, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in diverse nutrients for optimal health. Therefore the correct option is C.