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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