Straight from the Clay
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Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics, Vitamins, Minerals, Phytonutrients, Fatty Acids
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| Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM). |
PHYTONUTRIENTS
Phytonutrient comes from the Greek word phyton for “plant.” Therefore, a phytonutrient simply means a “nutrient
from a plant.” Modern science is finally confirming what mother always told us: "Eat your fruits and vegetables."
We, the wise, are abandoning “sic” modern science and learning that nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their
colors also provides nature’s or Mother Earth’s medicines and or cures for all of mankind ills. If you would take a
close look at the medical establishment’s efficacy or effectiveness studies of these phytonutrients, most conclude
that taking phytonutrients has no health benefits. Are the studies skewed? Of course they are. It is very simple. If
the digestive system is not working optimally, as argued herein, to extract the nutrient, of course the result would be
non-existent or negligible. Further, as argued here, no one nutrient standing alone has a health benefit.
No phytonutrient is actually new--it's only our understanding of them that's new. Research in this area is expanding
rapidly because it appears that phytonutrients offer the best protection we know of against the diseases that
plague us today. Will phytonutrient pills be the preferred "prescription" of tomorrow? Look at what some of the
pharmaceuticals are putting on the market today, natural supplements. As we understand more of the tissue-
specific way in which these nutrients work, this may happen if we are wise. realtime phytonutrients
Not long ago, the phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables were classified as vitamins: Flavonoids were known
as vitamin P, cabbage factors (glucosinolates and indoles) were called vitamin U, and ubiquinone was vitamin Q.
Tocopherol somehow stayed on the list as vitamin E. Vitamin designation was dropped for the other nutrients
because specific deficiency symptoms could not be established.
One of the most important roles of phytos is acting as antioxidants. When the cells in your body burn fuel for energy
they burn oxygen as well. When oxygen is burned, molecules called free radicals are released. Free radicals are
like vandals loose in your body. They have at least one extra electron, giving them a negative charge, which drives
them around the body looking for cells with which they can react. These reactions damage the DNA and other
substances in cells. Much of the time the cells can repair themselves, but the cell neighborhood can't protect itself
from these gangs of free radicals all by itself.
Enter the antioxidant "police." Antioxidant molecules have a positive charge, so when they meet up with the
negatively-charged free radicals they neutralize them - handcuff them so they can't do any damage. Your body
needs more antioxidant police officers as you get older, since the body's ability to repair itself diminishes with age.
Antioxidants also help to prevent damage by carcinogens, such as ultraviolet radiation, tobacco smoke, and
environmental pollutants.
The following represents the classification of phytonutrients and issue or illness specific usage.
Terpenes
Terpenes such as those found in green foods, soy products and grains, comprise one of the largest classes of
phytonutrients. The most intensely studied terpenes are carotenoids--as evidenced by the many recent studies on
beta carotene. The terpenes function as antioxidants, protecting lipids, blood and other body fluids from assault by
free radical oxygen species including singlet oxygen, hydroxyl, peroxide and superoxide radicals. Terpenoids are
dispersed widely throughout the plant kingdom, protecting plants from the same reactive oxygen species that
attack human cells. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene
Carotenoids (Helps fight Cancer)
This terpene subclass consists of bright yellow, orange and red plant pigments found in vegetables such as
tomatoes, parsley, oranges, pink grapefruit, spinach and red palm oil. We even find carotenoids lending bright
colors to animals; flamingos owe their color to carotenoids, as do shellfish. Egg yolks are yellow because of
carotenoids that protect the unsaturated fats in the yolk.
The carotenoid family actually includes two distinct types of molecules. One type, the carotenes, are chemically
classified as 40-carbon tetraterpenes, which do not include specific chemical features like hydroxyl or keto groups.
This type of carotenoid includes the familiar molecule beta carotene. The second type of carotenoids, the
xanthophylls, includes the chemical compounds known as the carotenoid alcohols and keto-carotenoids. In this
second category are included the molecules zeaxanthin, cryotpxanthin, and astazanthin.
There are more than 600 naturally occurring carotenoids. Most people think of this family of phytonutrients as being
precursors to vitamin A, but fewer than 10 percent have vitamin A activity. Among the carotenes, only alpha, beta
and epsilon carotene possess vitamin A activity. Of these, beta carotene is the most active. Alpha carotene
possesses 50 percent to 54 percent of the antioxidant activity of beta carotene, whereas epsilon carotene has 42
percent to 50 percent of the antioxidant activity. The above-mentioned carotenes, along with gamma carotene and
the carotenes lycopene and lutein, which do not convert to vitamin A, seem to offer protection against lung,
colorectal, breast, uterine and prostate cancers.3 Carotenes are tissue-specific in their protection. Overall
protective effects are therefore greater when all carotenes are taken together. Carotenes also enhance immune
response and protect skin cells against UV radiation.4 Additionally, they "spare" the glutathionine Phase II
detoxification enzymes in the liver that we rely on to safely eliminate pollutants and toxins from the body.
The xanthophyll type of carotenoids also include many interesting molecules. One xanthophyll, canthaxantin, was
popular as a tanning pill a few years ago. It migrates to the skin and protects it from sunlight. Other important
xanthophylls are cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin.
Xanthophylls are important because they appear to protect vitamin A, vitamin E and other carotenoids from
oxidation. Evidence is emerging that xanthophylls are tissue specific. Cryptoxanthin, for example, may be highly
protective of vaginal, uterine and cervical tissues.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carotenoid
http://www.astaxanthin.org/carotenoids.htm
http://www.carotenoidsociety.org/society/fsociety.html
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/carotenoids/
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/car98/car98.html
Phytonutrient comes from the Greek word phyton for “plant.” Therefore, a phytonutrient simply means a “nutrient
from a plant.” Modern science is finally confirming what mother always told us: "Eat your fruits and vegetables."
We, the wise, are abandoning “sic” modern science and learning that nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their
colors also provides nature’s or Mother Earth’s medicines and or cures for all of mankind ills. If you would take a
close look at the medical establishment’s efficacy or effectiveness studies of these phytonutrients, most conclude
that taking phytonutrients has no health benefits. Are the studies skewed? Of course they are. It is very simple. If
the digestive system is not working optimally, as argued herein, to extract the nutrient, of course the result would be
non-existent or negligible. Further, as argued here, no one nutrient standing alone has a health benefit.
No phytonutrient is actually new--it's only our understanding of them that's new. Research in this area is expanding
rapidly because it appears that phytonutrients offer the best protection we know of against the diseases that
plague us today. Will phytonutrient pills be the preferred "prescription" of tomorrow? Look at what some of the
pharmaceuticals are putting on the market today, natural supplements. As we understand more of the tissue-
specific way in which these nutrients work, this may happen if we are wise. realtime phytonutrients
Not long ago, the phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables were classified as vitamins: Flavonoids were known
as vitamin P, cabbage factors (glucosinolates and indoles) were called vitamin U, and ubiquinone was vitamin Q.
Tocopherol somehow stayed on the list as vitamin E. Vitamin designation was dropped for the other nutrients
because specific deficiency symptoms could not be established.
One of the most important roles of phytos is acting as antioxidants. When the cells in your body burn fuel for energy
they burn oxygen as well. When oxygen is burned, molecules called free radicals are released. Free radicals are
like vandals loose in your body. They have at least one extra electron, giving them a negative charge, which drives
them around the body looking for cells with which they can react. These reactions damage the DNA and other
substances in cells. Much of the time the cells can repair themselves, but the cell neighborhood can't protect itself
from these gangs of free radicals all by itself.
Enter the antioxidant "police." Antioxidant molecules have a positive charge, so when they meet up with the
negatively-charged free radicals they neutralize them - handcuff them so they can't do any damage. Your body
needs more antioxidant police officers as you get older, since the body's ability to repair itself diminishes with age.
Antioxidants also help to prevent damage by carcinogens, such as ultraviolet radiation, tobacco smoke, and
environmental pollutants.
The following represents the classification of phytonutrients and issue or illness specific usage.
Terpenes
Terpenes such as those found in green foods, soy products and grains, comprise one of the largest classes of
phytonutrients. The most intensely studied terpenes are carotenoids--as evidenced by the many recent studies on
beta carotene. The terpenes function as antioxidants, protecting lipids, blood and other body fluids from assault by
free radical oxygen species including singlet oxygen, hydroxyl, peroxide and superoxide radicals. Terpenoids are
dispersed widely throughout the plant kingdom, protecting plants from the same reactive oxygen species that
attack human cells. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene
Carotenoids (Helps fight Cancer)
This terpene subclass consists of bright yellow, orange and red plant pigments found in vegetables such as
tomatoes, parsley, oranges, pink grapefruit, spinach and red palm oil. We even find carotenoids lending bright
colors to animals; flamingos owe their color to carotenoids, as do shellfish. Egg yolks are yellow because of
carotenoids that protect the unsaturated fats in the yolk.
The carotenoid family actually includes two distinct types of molecules. One type, the carotenes, are chemically
classified as 40-carbon tetraterpenes, which do not include specific chemical features like hydroxyl or keto groups.
This type of carotenoid includes the familiar molecule beta carotene. The second type of carotenoids, the
xanthophylls, includes the chemical compounds known as the carotenoid alcohols and keto-carotenoids. In this
second category are included the molecules zeaxanthin, cryotpxanthin, and astazanthin.
There are more than 600 naturally occurring carotenoids. Most people think of this family of phytonutrients as being
precursors to vitamin A, but fewer than 10 percent have vitamin A activity. Among the carotenes, only alpha, beta
and epsilon carotene possess vitamin A activity. Of these, beta carotene is the most active. Alpha carotene
possesses 50 percent to 54 percent of the antioxidant activity of beta carotene, whereas epsilon carotene has 42
percent to 50 percent of the antioxidant activity. The above-mentioned carotenes, along with gamma carotene and
the carotenes lycopene and lutein, which do not convert to vitamin A, seem to offer protection against lung,
colorectal, breast, uterine and prostate cancers.3 Carotenes are tissue-specific in their protection. Overall
protective effects are therefore greater when all carotenes are taken together. Carotenes also enhance immune
response and protect skin cells against UV radiation.4 Additionally, they "spare" the glutathionine Phase II
detoxification enzymes in the liver that we rely on to safely eliminate pollutants and toxins from the body.
The xanthophyll type of carotenoids also include many interesting molecules. One xanthophyll, canthaxantin, was
popular as a tanning pill a few years ago. It migrates to the skin and protects it from sunlight. Other important
xanthophylls are cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin.
Xanthophylls are important because they appear to protect vitamin A, vitamin E and other carotenoids from
oxidation. Evidence is emerging that xanthophylls are tissue specific. Cryptoxanthin, for example, may be highly
protective of vaginal, uterine and cervical tissues.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carotenoid
http://www.astaxanthin.org/carotenoids.htm
http://www.carotenoidsociety.org/society/fsociety.html
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/carotenoids/
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/car98/car98.html
Limonoids (Protects against cancers of have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung,
breast, stomach, and colon)
This terpene subclass, found in citrus fruit peels, appears to be specifically directed to protection of lung tissue. In
one study, a standardized extract of d-limonene, pinene and eucalyptol was effective in clearing congestive mucus
from the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Additionally, limonoids may be specific chemopreventive agents. In animal studies, results suggest that the
chemotherapeutic activity of limonoids can be attributed to induction of both Phase I and Phase II detoxification
enzymes in the liver.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb05/citrus0205.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limonoids
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050325185404.htm
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/datastorefiles/234-200.pdf
Phytosterols (Lowers cholesterol; block the development of tumors in colon, breast and prostate glands
and reduce prostate swelling)
Sterols occur in most plant species. Although green and yellow vegetables contain significant amounts, their
seeds concentrate the sterols. Most of the research on these valuable phytonutrients has been done on the seeds
of pumpkins, yams, soy, rice and herbs. Phytosterols compete with dietary cholesterol for uptake in the intestines.
They have demonstrated the ability to block the uptake of cholesterol (to which they are structurally related) and
facilitate its excretion from the body. Cholesterol has long been implicated as a significant risk factor in
cardiovascular disease. Are other dietary factors important as well?
To answer this question, a research team in Los Angeles conducted a study to test the importance of other dietary
factors in modifying the risk of cholesterol levels. They compared the diets of 169 Seventh Day Adventists--vegans,
lacto-ovo and non-vegetarians--with general population non-vegetarians all living in Los Angeles in the mid 1980s.
It was found that the ratio between dietary plant phytosterols and cholesterol was significantly lower in SDA
vegetarians as compared to non-vegetarians. The importance of this study underlies the fact that cholesterol, per
se, is not the only marker of risk for cardiovascular disease and that its ratio with other modifying dietary
components may be a better measure of risk.
Other investigations have revealed that phytosterols block the development of tumors in colon, breast and prostate
glands (and reduce prostate swelling). The mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood, but we do
know that phytosterols appear to alter cell membrane transfer in tumor growth and reduce inflammation and
swelling.
Phenols
These phytonutrients comprise a large class that has been the subject of extensive research as a disease
preventive. Phenols protect plants from oxidative damage and perform the same function for humans. Blue,
blue-red and violet colorations seen in berries, grapes and purple eggplant are due to their phenolic content.
Bilberries, for example, are high in phenolic anthocyanidins and are red in color. The outstanding phytonutrient
feature of phenols is their ability to block specific enzymes that cause inflammation. They also modify the
prostaglandin pathways and thereby protect platelets from clumping.
Flavonoids (most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. However, it is now known that the
health benefits they provide against cancer and heart disease are the result of other mechanisms)
Phytonutrients of this phenol subclass enhance the effects of ascorbate-vitamin C. Flavonoids were once lumped
together as vitamin P, but there are well over 1,500 of them. Here is a partial listing:
* Flavones (containing the flavonoid apigenin found in chamomile);
* Flavonols (quercetin--grapefruit; rutin--buckwheat; ginkgoflavon glycosides--ginkgo);
quercetin appears to be the leading recommend flavonoid for prostate inflammation
* Flavanones (hesperidin--citrus fruits; silybin--milk thistle);
The biologic activities of flavonoids include action against allergies, inflammation, free radicals, hepatotoxins,
platelet aggregation, microbes, ulcers, viruses and tumors. Flavonoids also inhibit specific enzymes. For example,
flavonoids block the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that raises blood pressure: By blocking the "suicide"
enzyme cyclooxygenase that breaks down prostaglandins, they prevent platelet stickiness and hence platelet
aggregation. Flavonoids also protect the vascular system and strengthen the tiny capillaries that carry oxygen and
essential nutrients to all cells.
Additionally, flavonoids block the enzymes that produce estrogen, thus reducing the risk of estrogen-induced
cancers. One way they do this is by blocking estrogen synthsase, an enzyme that works overtime in binding
estrogen to receptors in several organs.
Although their way of doing so is not yet fully understood, flavonoids also appear to retard development of cataracts
in individuals with inborn errors in sugar metabolism such as diabetes. Cataracts can be a complication of
diabetes because diabetics, unable to metabolize sugar normally, build up damaging levels of "alcohol sugars."
These in turn cause clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract). It is suspected flavonoids prevent cataracts by
blocking aldose-reductase (a digestive enzyme), which can convert the sugar galactose into the potentially harmful
form of galacticol.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w00/flavonoid.html
http://www.thenutritionreporter.com/flavonoids.html
http://www.thenutritionreporter.com/Look_at_Flavonoids.html
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Flav/flav.html
breast, stomach, and colon)
This terpene subclass, found in citrus fruit peels, appears to be specifically directed to protection of lung tissue. In
one study, a standardized extract of d-limonene, pinene and eucalyptol was effective in clearing congestive mucus
from the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Additionally, limonoids may be specific chemopreventive agents. In animal studies, results suggest that the
chemotherapeutic activity of limonoids can be attributed to induction of both Phase I and Phase II detoxification
enzymes in the liver.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb05/citrus0205.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limonoids
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050325185404.htm
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/datastorefiles/234-200.pdf
Phytosterols (Lowers cholesterol; block the development of tumors in colon, breast and prostate glands
and reduce prostate swelling)
Sterols occur in most plant species. Although green and yellow vegetables contain significant amounts, their
seeds concentrate the sterols. Most of the research on these valuable phytonutrients has been done on the seeds
of pumpkins, yams, soy, rice and herbs. Phytosterols compete with dietary cholesterol for uptake in the intestines.
They have demonstrated the ability to block the uptake of cholesterol (to which they are structurally related) and
facilitate its excretion from the body. Cholesterol has long been implicated as a significant risk factor in
cardiovascular disease. Are other dietary factors important as well?
To answer this question, a research team in Los Angeles conducted a study to test the importance of other dietary
factors in modifying the risk of cholesterol levels. They compared the diets of 169 Seventh Day Adventists--vegans,
lacto-ovo and non-vegetarians--with general population non-vegetarians all living in Los Angeles in the mid 1980s.
It was found that the ratio between dietary plant phytosterols and cholesterol was significantly lower in SDA
vegetarians as compared to non-vegetarians. The importance of this study underlies the fact that cholesterol, per
se, is not the only marker of risk for cardiovascular disease and that its ratio with other modifying dietary
components may be a better measure of risk.
Other investigations have revealed that phytosterols block the development of tumors in colon, breast and prostate
glands (and reduce prostate swelling). The mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood, but we do
know that phytosterols appear to alter cell membrane transfer in tumor growth and reduce inflammation and
swelling.
Phenols
These phytonutrients comprise a large class that has been the subject of extensive research as a disease
preventive. Phenols protect plants from oxidative damage and perform the same function for humans. Blue,
blue-red and violet colorations seen in berries, grapes and purple eggplant are due to their phenolic content.
Bilberries, for example, are high in phenolic anthocyanidins and are red in color. The outstanding phytonutrient
feature of phenols is their ability to block specific enzymes that cause inflammation. They also modify the
prostaglandin pathways and thereby protect platelets from clumping.
Flavonoids (most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. However, it is now known that the
health benefits they provide against cancer and heart disease are the result of other mechanisms)
Phytonutrients of this phenol subclass enhance the effects of ascorbate-vitamin C. Flavonoids were once lumped
together as vitamin P, but there are well over 1,500 of them. Here is a partial listing:
* Flavones (containing the flavonoid apigenin found in chamomile);
* Flavonols (quercetin--grapefruit; rutin--buckwheat; ginkgoflavon glycosides--ginkgo);
quercetin appears to be the leading recommend flavonoid for prostate inflammation
* Flavanones (hesperidin--citrus fruits; silybin--milk thistle);
The biologic activities of flavonoids include action against allergies, inflammation, free radicals, hepatotoxins,
platelet aggregation, microbes, ulcers, viruses and tumors. Flavonoids also inhibit specific enzymes. For example,
flavonoids block the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that raises blood pressure: By blocking the "suicide"
enzyme cyclooxygenase that breaks down prostaglandins, they prevent platelet stickiness and hence platelet
aggregation. Flavonoids also protect the vascular system and strengthen the tiny capillaries that carry oxygen and
essential nutrients to all cells.
Additionally, flavonoids block the enzymes that produce estrogen, thus reducing the risk of estrogen-induced
cancers. One way they do this is by blocking estrogen synthsase, an enzyme that works overtime in binding
estrogen to receptors in several organs.
Although their way of doing so is not yet fully understood, flavonoids also appear to retard development of cataracts
in individuals with inborn errors in sugar metabolism such as diabetes. Cataracts can be a complication of
diabetes because diabetics, unable to metabolize sugar normally, build up damaging levels of "alcohol sugars."
These in turn cause clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract). It is suspected flavonoids prevent cataracts by
blocking aldose-reductase (a digestive enzyme), which can convert the sugar galactose into the potentially harmful
form of galacticol.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w00/flavonoid.html
http://www.thenutritionreporter.com/flavonoids.html
http://www.thenutritionreporter.com/Look_at_Flavonoids.html
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Flav/flav.html
Anthocyanidins
This select group of flavonoids deserves special attention. Technically known as "flavonals," they provide
crosslinks or "bridges" that connect and strengthen the intertwined strands of collagen protein. Collagen is the
most abundant protein in the body, making up soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and bone matrix. Its great tensile
strength depends on preservation of its crosslinks.
Anthocyanidins, being water soluble, also scavenge free radicals they encounter in tissue fluids. This is a powerful
ability especially beneficial for athletes and others who exercise, because heavy exercise generates large
amounts of free radicals.
Anthocyanidinss protects against arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer and other signs of aging,
such as the loss of skin elasticity and cognitive function. Among the antioxidants, anthocyanidins have been
found to have some unique features. They are able to protect cells and tissues from free radical damage in both
water-soluble and fat-soluble environments. And, their free radical scavenging capabilities are thought to be more
potent than many of the currently well-known vitamin antioxidants; anthocyanidins are estimated to have fifty times
the antioxidant activity of both vitamin C and vitamin E.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthocyanin
http://www.whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=faq&dbid=4
Catechins, Gallic Acids
Catechins differ slightly in chemical structure from other flavonoids, but share their chemoprotective properties.
The most common catechins are gallic esters, named epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
They are present in nearly all teas made from Camellia sinensis, including white tea, green tea, black tea and
Oolong tea. Catechins constitute about 25% of the dry weight of fresh tea leaf . Catechins are also present in the
human diet in chocolate, fruits, vegetables and wine and are found in many other plant species The health benefits
of catechins have been studied extensively in humans and in animal models.
Reduction in atherosclerotic plaques was seen in animal models. Reduction in carcinogenesis was seen in vitro.
Many studies on health benefits have been linked to the catechin content. According to Norman Hollenberg,
professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, epicatechin can reduce the risk of four of the major health
problems: stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes. He studied the Kuna people in Panama, who drink up to 40
cups of cocoa a week, and found that the prevalence of the "big four" is less than 10%. He believes that
epicatechin should be considered essential to the diet and thus classed as a vitamin. Science Daily March 12,
2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catechin http://flavo.vtt.fi/catechins.htm
Isoflavones
Phytonutrients of this phenol subclass come from beans and other legumes and are distant cousins of flavonoids.
Isoflavones function much like flavonoids in that they effectively block enzymes that promote tumor growth. Best
known isoflavones are genistein and daidzein found in soy products and the herb Pueraria lobata (Kudzu). People
who consume traditional diets rich in soy foods rarely experience breast, uterine and prostate cancers.
Pueraria has gained popularity as an aid for those who consume alcohol because it appears to alter the activity of
alcohol detoxification enzymes, namely the speed at which alcohol dehydrogenase converts alcohol into
aldehydes. The result is a lowered tolerance for alcohol and reduction of the pleasure response to drinking it.
Isoflavones health benefits, include protection against breast cancer, prostate cancer, menopausal
symptoms, heart disease and osteoporosis
http://www.isoflavones.info/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isoflavone
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/soyiso/
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/113/7/1034
Thiols
Phytonutrients of this sulfur-containing class are present in garlic and cruciferous vegetables (i.e., cabbage,
turnips and members of the mustard family).
Glucosinolates
Found in cruciferous vegetables, glucosinolates are powerful activators of liver detoxification enzymes. They also
regulate white blood cells and cytokines. White blood cells are the scavengers of the immune system and
cytokines act as "messengers," coordinating the activities of all immune cells.
Bio-transformation products of glucosinolates include isothiocyanates, dithiolthiones and sulforaphane. Each of
these is protective of specific tissues. Their actions involve blocking enzymes that promote tumor growth,
particularly in the breast, liver, colon, lung, stomach and esophagus. Protects against cancer.
GLUCOSINOLATES - 120 different glucosinolates are known to occur naturally in plants.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/foods/cruciferous/
http://www.kidsnutrition.org/consumer/nyc/vol3_03/glucosinolates.htm
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/14/11/2605
Allylic Sulfides
Garlic and onions are the most potent members of this thiol subclass, which also includes leeks, shallots and
chives. The allylic sulfides in these plants are released when the plants are cut or smashed. Once oxygen reaches
the plants' cells, various bio-transformation products are formed. Each of these appears to have tissue specificity.
As a group, allylic sulfides appear to possess antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties as well as immune
and cardiovascular protection. They also appear to offer anti-growth activity for tumors, fungi, parasites, cholesterol
and platelet/leukocyte adhesion factors.
Garlic and onions, like their cruciferous relatives, can also activate liver detoxification enzyme systems. Specific
allylic sulfides block the activity of toxins produced by bacteria and viruses.
http://www.alternative-medicine-info.com/alternative-medicine/Allylic-Sulfides/Allylic-Sulfides.html
Indoles (Helps Protect Against Breast and Prostate Cancer)
This subclass includes phytonutrients that interact with vitamin C, which is not surprising since the vegetables that
contain indoles also contain significant amounts of vitamin C. Indole complexes bind chemical carcinogens and
activate detoxification enzymes, mostly in the gastrointestinal tract. The bio-transformation products of indoles are
formed when they are acted on by stomach acid. The most active product is "ascorbigen," considered to be an
active vitamin C "metabolite."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indole
http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v94/n3/full/6602935a.html
http://www.cbcrp.org/RESEARCH/PageGrant.asp?grant_id=2553
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2001_August/ai_78177206/pg_1
Isoprenoids ( Protects Against Free Radicals)
Isoprenoids neutralize free radicals in a unique way. They have a long carbon side chain which they use to anchor
themselves into fatty membranes. Any free radicals attempting to attach lipid (fat) membranes are quickly grabbed
and passed off to other antioxidants.
Our bodies are protected with cell-friendly molecules called isoprenoids. Very simply, isoprenoids are a group of
organic molecules consisting of isoprene units. An isoprene unit is a benchmark of efficacy of an antioxidant. It is
the isoprenoids chief weapon in fighting cell damaging free radicals. The more isoprene units and the more stable
the isoprenoid molecule the more effective the isoprenoid is in neutralizing free radicals. Isoprenoids are found in
nature. Vitamin E, Vitamin A, lycopene, beta-carotene and coenzyme Q10 are all isoprenoids. Olive oil and various
plants contain isoprenoid but only in minimal quantities. A rich source of natural isoprenoid is Squalene.
Various studies and laboratory findings have established that Issho Genki Squalene iP6 is a cancer preventive
agent. It prevents ordinary cells from becoming cancer cells.
Issho Genki Squalene iP6 protects the heart. Conclusive evidence shows that Squalene iP6 is able to lower
cholesterol levels in the blood, particularly the bad cholesterol [LDL-cholesterol] and increase levels of good
cholesterol [HDL cholesterol]. It thereby protects us from the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Issho Genki Squalene iP6 helps prevent premature aging. Squalene is found abundantly in human skin and is
considered the skin's natural antioxidant. It effectively combats free radicals induced by UV rays of the sun. It
thereby makes the skin healthier, radiant and younger-looking.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpenoid
http://www.isshogenki.com/faq/index.html
Tocotrienols And Tocopherols
Tocotrienols naturally occur in grains and palm oil along with their cousins, tocopherols. Toco-trienols appear to
inhibit breast cancer cell growth, whereas tocopherols do not exhibit this effect. Researchers have observed that
the biologic functions of tocopherols and tocotrienols appear unrelated. Tocotrienols have been most studied,
however, for their cholesterol lowering effects.
Lipoic Acid & Ubiquinone
Lipoic acid and ubiquinone (coenzyme Q) are important antioxidants that work to extend the effects of other
antioxidants. In terms of research, lipoic acid is the "new kid on the block." It is an efficient hydroxyl radical
quencher, its sulfur bond being the reactive part of the molecule. It is active on both lipids and tissue fluids. In
addition to hydroxyl radicals, it scavenges peroxyl, ascorbyl and chromanoxyl radicals. Because it functions in both
lipid and water phases, it is protective of both vitamin E and vitamin C. Lipoic acid also protects SOD, catalase and
glutathione, which are all important in liver detoxification activities.
The roles of both lipoic acid and ubiquinone as antioxidants have been discovered relatively recently. Both have
important roles in energy production. Google Lipoic and Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q)
CITRIC ACID
We would be remiss not to mention the importance of citric acid--- a weak organic acid found in all citrus fruits.
Remember the Garden of Eden. Sir Hans Adolf Krebs won the 1953 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his
discovery that a specific series of chemical reactions involving citric acid is the source of two-thirds (2/3) of
food-derived energy in higher organisms. What this means is that without the tricarboxylic acid cycle or citric acid
cycle or the Krebs cycle life could not exist. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citric_acid; Google Citric Acid Cycle
Google Citric Acid Aalkaline Body as opposed to an acidic body, see Google Acidic Body Disease
Dust Mask
Though it is not a phytonutrient, for all intent and purposes it is an anti-oxidant and should be worn as often as
possible, especially during exercising or any other strenuous physical activity where you are inhaling more polluted
air than the body could possibly process.