Category: Phytochemical of the month

Phytochemical of the month, Lycopene

You say Tomayto I say Tomhato

By Gina Rollins DP

 

Lycopene from the neo-Latin lycopersicum has been studied for more than 75 years and has had thousands of articles published about it.

Lycopene is a carotenoid compound found in fruits, vegetables, and green plants. It significantly helps the body’s ability to protect against free radicals.

 

Lycopene is great at mopping up free radicals like those produced by sun damage on the skin and eyes as well as inflammatory damage in the heart and prostate cancer.

 

FOOD SOURCES

Raw tomatoes are the best-known source for Lycopene (cooking them makes the nutrient more bioavailable).

For those with sensitivity to tomatoes, apricots, asparagus, sweet peppers, cranberries, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, peaches and watermelon are all excellent alternatives and should be included as part of a healthy diet.

FYI: Even though strawberries and cherries are red, they do not contain lycopene.

EAT, DRINK AND G-WELL

Phytochemical of the Month, Indole-3-Carbinol

 

INDOLE-3-CARBINOL

By Gina Rollin DP, HHC

Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts are unique because they are rich in sulfur containing compounds called glucosinolates which support detoxification and indole-3-carbinol which has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of breast, colon and lung cancer.

  • They block the conversion of sex hormones into a cancer-causing form.
  • They help protect cells from DNA damage.
  • They help inactivate carcinogens.
  • They have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
  • They have anti-inflammatory effects.
  • They induce cell death (apoptosis).
  • They inhibit tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and tumor cell migration (needed for metastasis).

This enzyme is only activated after maceration of the vegetable. They can also be used in soups since cooking does not damage indoles.

Chemoprevention: (The use of chemical agents, drugs, or food supplements to prevent the development of cancer.)

Indole-3-carbinol has chemopreventive activity and stimulates the production of detoxifying enzymes. The phytochemical protects against carcinogenic effect of pesticides and other toxins.

Cruciferous Vegetables Thyroid Side Effects

According to the research, it would take a large amount of cruciferous vegetables to cause hypothyroidism and it appears that there is only a risk if someone also has an iodine deficiency.

One study in humans found that the consumption of 5oz a day of cooked brussels sprouts for four weeks had no adverse effects on thyroid function.

 

Always check with your doctor before changing your diet!

In Summary:

Ample proof is available showing cruciferous vegetables (especially cabbage) to have more medicinal value than any other natural food. It helps heal stomach ulcers and may help prevent cancer. Colon, prostate, and breast cancer risk are minimized with good amounts of them in the diet. In fact, some studies indicate that cruciferous ingestion may be more effective than any other treatment.

Chopped in cold salads for a delicious crunch, added to vegetable soups for a satisfying flavor or even juiced, cruciferous veggies are truly super foods.

Eat, Drink and Gwell,

Gina

 

Phytochemical of the Month, Resveratrol

 

                                                  By Gina Rollins DP, HHC

  Resveratrol is an antioxidant belonging to a group of flavonoids. Evidence shows it may protect against many diseases.

Anti-Cancer

Resveratrol appears to protect against the promotion of cancer cells. It was found to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, help repair damaged information in some cells and encourage apoptosis (the death) of damaged cells.

Cardiovascular Health

Resveratrol appears to prevent free radical oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to plaque buildup in arteries and atherosclerosis.

 Diabetes

May protect against oxidative damage caused by high glucose levels and reduce diabetic neuropathic pain.

 The French Paradox

Is the observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease despite having a diet rich in saturated fats. It is believed that the French Paradox lies in the resveratrol found in red wine. Resveratrol is believed to not only help widen the arteries – making it easier for blood to flow freely through – but also works at reducing platelet aggregation (otherwise known as the clogging of the arteries). The French Paradox works because, despite their consumption of fatty foods known to damage heart health, the French drink healthy doses of red wine. It is little wonder that the French have long believed in drinking to one’s health.

Sources:

The most abundant sources are grapes, grape juice and red wine. It can also be found in varying amounts in peanuts, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, bilberries, cranberries and Japanese and Chinese knotweed.

A word about supplements

It is important to keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate resveratrol supplements so there’s no guarantee that the dosage listed on the label is the actual amount present in the capsule.

Most supplements sold in the United States contain resveratrol extracted from the Japanese and Chinese knotweed plant, while others are made from wine or red grape extracts. Japanese knotweed also contains emodin, known to stimulate bowel activity so diarrhea is a possible side effect.

In conclusion, it is always best to get your nutrients from a wide variety of whole foods and always check with your doctor before beginning any supplement or dietary changes.

Eat, Drink and Gwell

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