Active non-nutrients

Recent developments in nutrition have shown that there is more to food than nutrients. Foods contain a complex mixture of chemical compounds. The apparent special benefits of a group of these chemicals in the diet, known as active non-nutrients, are receiving increasing attention.

Significant active non-nutrients include:

• phytochemicals

• probiotics

• fibre.

Recent classifications of active non-nutrients include fibre, because it is not digested and metabolised like other carbohydrates.

Let’s have a first-hand look at the special benefits you may be getting from your diet. To do this, you need an accurate record of your food intake. Start now to keep a food diary, recording everything you eat for three days.