PHYTONUTRIENTS
"Phyto" is Greek for naturally-occurring
plant compounds that contribute to the flavor, color,
and disease-resistance in plants.
Phytonutrients are power antioxidants but are also
beneficial to the body in many other ways, such as:
- boosting immunity
- strengthening heart and blood vessels
- preventing tumors and cancer
There are several types of phytonutrients; the most
important ones currently being studied for their antiaging
properties are:
Anthocyanins - antioxidants that protect
DNA against cancer causing damage and promote death
of cancer cells. They are also powerful sunscreens,
preventing photodamage.
Food Sources - berries, grapes, black currants,
acai, mangosteen, and goji.
Allyl Sulfides - suppress growth of
tumor cells and help excretion of cancer causing chemicals.
They lessen stomach and colon cancer, and help to treat
colds, blood circulation, inflammations, arteriosclerosis
and diabetes.
Food Sources - found in garlic, onions, and shallots.
Catechin - an anti-oxidant that helps
prevent tumors from growing, and reduce the risk of
stroke, heart failure, cancer, and diabetes.
Food Sources - found primarily in green tea.
Chlorophyll - blood boosting and a
potent detoxification agent it protects cells against
the free radical damage that leads to cancer.
Food Sources - wheat grass juice, spirulina, chlorella,
barley grass, and in leafy greens.
Ellagic acid - defends cells lining
the digestive tract against carcinogenic substances,
preventing colon and esophageal cancer. It may also
help the liver to break down and remove cancer causing
substances from the blood. Studies have also shown ellagic
acid effective in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy
in advanced prostate cancer treatment.
Food Sources - pomegranates, grapes, raspberries,
and strawberries.
Limonene - a hydrocarbon which helps
the liver clear carcinogens from the body and promotes
cell differentiation. ,
Food Sources - lemons and noni.
Lutein - carotenoid used as an antioxidant
taken in high doses to reduce risk of breast, colon,
endometrial (uterine) and prostate cancers. It is found
in concentrated areas of the macula, the small area
of the retina responsible for central vision.
Food Sources - green leafy vegetables such as spinach
and kale, It is also found in mango and winter squash.
Lycopene - protects against prostate
cancer, stomach cancer, and is helpful for cardiovascular
disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and male infertility.
Food Sources - tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit,
guava, papaya, and rosehips.
Quercetin - prevents inflammation
and inhibits the release of histamines. Recent studies
to treat skin and prostate cancers, showed a 90% death
of the cancer cells within 48 hours, with no visible
deaths of the normal cells! This phytonutrient is used
to treat cancer, prostatitis, heart disease, cataracts,
and respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma.
Food Sources - capers, apples, tea, onions, grapes,
citrus, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, cherries,
turmeric, and cranberries.
Resveratrol - kills cancer cells making
it effective for anti-cancer, antiviral, neuroprotective,
anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and life-prolonging. It
is also being studied for its benefit in athletic performance.
Food Sources - skin of red grapes and red wine,
raspberries, mulberries, peanuts, blueberries, bilberries,
and cranberries.
Sulphoraphane - activates enzymes
that detoxify carcinogens; interfering with cancer cell
growth and kills cancer cells.
Food Sources - broccoli, and broccoli sprouts.
Phytonutrient
Supplements
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