PHYTOCHEMICAL SUPPLEMENTS
Phytochemicals
are nonnutrient plant chemicals that contain protective,
disease-preventing compounds whose most potent activity
is prevention of cancer Supplementing the diet with
large quantities of phytosterols also reduces cholesterol
absorption and LDL-cholesterol concentrations
They can be divided into:
Flavonoids - comprise the yellow
and red/blue pigments in fruits and vegetables. They
have antioxidant properties connected to those of vitamin
C, as well as anticancer activity.
Phyto-Estrogens - are plant substances
of different kinds (isoflavones, lignans) that have
an estrogenic effect in the body, which are present
largely in soy products and flax seed. There is evidence
that they possess inhibitory properties to prostate,
breast and colon cancer, as well as osteoporosis.
Isothiocyanates - are present in
cruciferous vegetables and inhibit cancer by detoxifying
the carcinogen and eliminating it. This has been mainly
recognized in gastrointestinal and respiratory tract
tumors.
Diallylsulfides - present in garlic,
onion, leeks and chives, have shown to reduce proliferation
of cancer cells, particularly cancer of the stomach
and colon.
Carotenes – found in green
and yellow-red vegetables are hydrophobic substances
whose antioxidant functions fight a particular free
radical known as singlet oxygen. Beta-carotene, alpha-carotene
and lycopene are the strongest antioxidants, and are
also active in the prevention of certain types of cancer
and macular degeneration of the eye.
Selenium – part of one of the
body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, glutathione,
as well as a metabolic defence to mercury, lead, calcium
and arsenic. 200 mcg. daily selenium intake has a proven
cancer inhibitory effect.
B-vitamins -in particular, B5. B6,
B12 and Folic acid, are associated with lowering the
levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease.
Vitamin B5 is an essential element of energy-yielding
oxidation of glucose products and also enhances the
ability to withstand stress.
Coenzyme Q-10
-which acts like a vitamin, plays a critical role
in the respiratory chain providing energy, as well as
possessing antioxidant properties. CoQ10
is beneficial in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative
disorders.
Carnitine - is a transport chemical
required for the passage of fatty acids across cell
membranes. Meat and diary products are major sources
of carnitine
which, when supplemented, improves stress tolerance,
causes improvement in cognitive functions and has anti-fatigue
effects.
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