This partially explains why no single antioxidant
can replace the combination of natural phytochemicals in fruit
and vegetables in achieving the health benefits. There are 8000
phytochemicals present in whole foods. These compounds differ
in molecular size, polarity, and solubility, and these differences
may affect the bioavailability and distribution of each phytochemical
in different macromolecules, subcellular organelles,
cells, organs, and tissues. Pills or tablets simply cannot mimic this
balanced natural combination of phytochemicals present in fruit
and vegetables.