A phytonutrient (phytonutrient = phytochemical) is any substance derived from plant sources that is not categorized as a vitamin, mineral, or macronutrient. They can have both positive and negative (antinutritional) effects on metabolism and are mostly characterized as substances with protective impacts on health. An antinutritional substance is one that can adversely affect metabolic processes through antinutritional effects, i.e., by limiting or even blocking the function of nutritional substances. It can originate from both plant and animal sources, and some phytonutrients are included in this category.
Questions answered by
Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system
Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.
Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.
He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.
In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.