Transcript Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals
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Phytochemicals are certain
organic components of plants
which scientists have isolated
as being beneficial to human
health in a different way from
traditional antioxidants.
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They are sometimes referred to
as phytonutrients, but unlike the
traditional nutrients (protein, fat,
vitamins, minerals), they are not
"essential" for life so the term
phytochemical is more
accurate.
TOP TWELVE PHYTO FOODS
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Soy
Tomato
Broccoli
Garlic
Flax seeds
Citrus fruits
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Melons: cantaloupe,
watermelon
Pink grapefruit
Blueberries
Sweet potatoes
Chili peppers
Legumes: beans, and
lentils
Honorable mention:
green tea, red grapes, papaya, carrots, kale,
nuts and seeds, eggplant, artichoke,
cabbage, brussel sprouts, onions, apples,
cauliflower, dried apricots, pumpkin, squash,
spinach, mangos, and shiitake mushrooms.
Phytochemicals have been proven to
be beneficial.
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They may serve as
antioxidants in a bodily
system when required;
for example, the
phytochemical betacarotene can
metabolize to create
vitamin A, a powerful
antioxidant.
Additional Benefits
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Additionally, phytochemicals
may enhance immune
response and cell-to-cell
communication, allowing for
the body's built-in defenses
to work more efficiently.
Phytochemicals may even
alter estrogen metabolism,
cause cancer cells to die
(apoptosis), repair DNA
damage caused by smoking
and other toxic exposure,
and detoxify carcinogen..
Cancer Fighter
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Research in this area is
expanding rapidly
because it appears that
phytochemicals offer a
measurable amount of
protection against oral
cancer and other
diseases.
The prescription of tomorrow?
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Will phytochemicals be the preferred
"prescription" of tomorrow? Possibly, but in
any case they are helping teach us more
about natural defenses against cancer, and
that is a good thing by any name.