What is one potential health benefit of consuming phytochemicals?

Consuming phytochemicals offers a range of potential health benefits, and one of the most significant is reduced inflammation. Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that can modulate immune responses and inflammatory processes in the body. They have antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals, which are linked to inflammation and chronic diseases. By decreasing markers of inflammation, phytochemicals can contribute to overall better health and may lower the risk of diseases like heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers.

The other options, while they may relate to various health aspects, do not directly connect to the wide-ranging effects of phytochemicals in the same way. Improved bone density is more closely associated with calcium and vitamin D, rather than phytochemicals alone. Increased calorie intake is opposite to what is generally desired when discussing phytochemical consumption, as many phytochemical-rich foods are low in calories. Enhanced birth weight, while important, is influenced more by nutritional status during pregnancy, rather than directly linked to phytochemicals.