Are you getting your recommended 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables? The National Cancer Institute's nutritional guidelines state that every man, woman and child should consume a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables contain powerful health-promoting and immune-enhancing antioxidants and other phytochemicals, and are an important source of many nutrients our bodies need daily.
Antioxidant-rich food may help prevent various cancers, heart disease, and diseases of aging. Vitamins C and E, carotenoids (including beta-carotene), and the mineral selenium are all powerful antioxidants found in food.
Most Commonly Known Antioxidants
The highest-ranking vegetables are broccoli, spinach, greens, Brussels sprouts, beets, red peppers, carrots and tomatoes. And the best ranking fruits are berries, oranges, pink grapefruit, apricots, plums, peaches, red grapes and papaya.
Vitamin A and Carotenoids - Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes,tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots (bright-colored fruits and vegetables!)
Vitamin C - Citrus fruits like oranges and lime etc, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetable
s, strawberries and tomatoes. Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, is also known as ascorbic acid. Most of the vitamin C in the diet (90%) comes from fruits and vegetables. However, since vitamin C is water soluble, cooking can destroy the vitamin C in a food.
Vitamin E – Nuts and seeds, whole grains green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil Vitamin E, also known as alpha tocopherol, is a fat. Because vitamin E is found in oils, people who follow a low-fat diet may not get enough. Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family. Found mainly in plants, carotenoids provide the vibrant red, yellow, green, and orange colors of fruits and vegetables, with carrots being a major contributor of beta-carotene. Typically, beta-carotene is a conditionally essential nutrient, but when one's intake of vitamin A is low, beta-carotene becomes an essential nutrient, meaning that it must be obtained from food and cannot be manufactured by the body.
Selenium - Fish & shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic. Selenium is a
n essential trace mineral (trace minerals are needed only in small amounts). The amount of selenium found in food is directly related to the amount of selenium in the soil in which the food was grown. It is necessary for healthy immune function and is tied to killer-cell activity and antibody production. The many health benefits of the various antioxidants can be provided by a variety of food sources.
n essential trace mineral (trace minerals are needed only in small amounts). The amount of selenium found in food is directly related to the amount of selenium in the soil in which the food was grown. It is necessary for healthy immune function and is tied to killer-cell activity and antibody production. The many health benefits of the various antioxidants can be provided by a variety of food sources. Benefits of antioxidants
The benefits of antioxidants from food, or a good quality natural antioxidant supplement, give you the anti aging protection against degenerative diseases and help slow down the aging process of your skin, cells, tissues and organs. Antioxidants are the naturally occurring nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables. They've been proven to protect human cells from oxidative damage and provide: • Stronger immune resistance to flues, viruses and infections • Greatly reduced incidence of all cancers • Prevention of glaucoma and macular degeneration • Reduced risk of cholesterol-oxidation and heart disease • Anti-aging of cells and overall body Numerous studies with plant phytochemicals show that phytochemicals with antioxidant activity may reduce risk of cancer and improve heart health.Antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer
Not all results are conclusive but many studies show that antioxidants may reduce the risk of cancer. A large randomized trial on antioxidants and cancer risk was the Chinese Cancer Prevention Study (1993). This study showed that a combination of the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin E and selenium significantly reduced incidence of cancer. However, the Alpha-Tocopherol / Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (1994) showed that intake of beta-carotene increased lung cancer rates of male smokers.Antioxidants protect the heart
Everyone knows that cholesterol causes heart diseases and tries to limit cholesterol intake. But a more important cause of fatty buildups in the arteries is the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The use of dietary supplements of antioxidants could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. At this stage, studies only show that the intake of foods, naturally rich in antioxidants reduces this risk.HEALTH BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND THEIR FOOD SOURCES
| Antioxidant | Health benefits | Food sources |
| Selenium | Helps maintain healthy hair and nails, enhances immunity, works with vitamin E to protect cells from damage. Reduces the risk of cancer, particularly lung, prostate, and colorectal. | Garlic, seeds, Brazil nuts, meat, eggs, poultry, seafood, whole grains. The amount in plant sources varies according to the content of the soil. |
| Beta-carotene | Keeps skin healthy, helps prevent night blindness and infections, promotes growth and bone development. | Red, yellow-orange, and leafy green vegetables and fruits, including carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. |
| Vitamin E | Acts as the protector of essential fats in cell membranes and red blood cells. Reduces risk of cancer, heart disease, and other age-associated diseases. | Peanut butter, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and margarine, wheat germ, avocado, whole grains, salad dressings. |
| Vitamin C | Destroys free radicals inside and outside cells. Helps in the formation of connective tissue, the healing of wounds, and iron absorption, and also helps to prevent bruising and keep gums healthy. May reduce risk of cataracts, heart disease, and cancer. | Peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices, berries, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, potatoes, mango, papaya. |
| SOURCE: The American Dietetic Association And WebMD. | ||
Phytonutrients in Food
Antioxidants keep free radicals from ravaging your body and stealing the life from your cells. The carotenoid phytonutrients actually sacrifice themselves for your well being.
The more phytonutrients in your bloodstream, the healthier you'll be.
Here's the Problem
Hardly anyone gets enough fruits and vegetables. The most "popular" are bananas, iceberg lettuce and French-fried potatoes. But, since they contain very few carotenoids, none of these are on Tufts phytonutrient list.
Fruits and vegetables contain powerful health-promoting and immune-enhancing antioxidants plus other phytochemicals
I know that good intentions of eating a balanced diet are not always met. I want to make sure that you and your family meet these minimum requirements, so I am going to introduce you to
1) The worlds' Nature's 18 fruits and vegetables in tablets - a proprietary blend of fruitsand vegetables that are the heavyweights, so to speak, when it comes to supporting your health.
Just 4 tablets give you the antioxidant equivalent of eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day: Grape, Apple, Blueberry, Elderberry, Cranberry, Raspberry, and Grape Seed Extract all support the immune system with their antioxidant phytochemicals. Rutin, which is found in orange, grapefruit, lemons and limes, has been shown to support healthy joint function and circulation, and Bananas are known for their potassium content and ability to support healthy blood pressure levels. Carrots, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery and Green Beans are all noted for their phytochemicals that promote good health through the elimination of free radicals in the body. And Kiwi, Prunes, Red Bell Pepper, Zucchini and Parsley all provide Vitamin C as well as promoting good digestion and eye health.
A-Beta-CarE contains vitamin A from beta carotene, selenium, and natural vitamin E, combined in one convenient softgel. Vitamin A has long been recognised as a powerful nutrient for sight and skin. Forever A-Beta-CarE brings Vitamin A to you in Beta-Carotene form. The body converts Beta-Carotene to vitamin A in the small intestine during digestion. Therefore the risk of overdose on Vitamin A is reduced, as the body has limited tolerance to excess Vitamin A and the conversion process is self-regulating. Beta-Carotene in any case is also a recognised anti-oxidant. The addition of Vitamin E helps with maintaining a healthy skin, and is associated with regulating body temperature. Selenium is also included which is important to mens health and other bodily functions.
With our A-Beta-CarE, three important nutrients for good health are combined in one convenient product.
A Chinese fruit used for centuries, lycium has been shown to enhance the complexion and help maintain energy and good vision. Forever Lycium Plus is a dietary supplement intended as a source of antioxidants, bioflavonoids and other beneficial phytonutrients.
Rich in amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and vitamins, lycium is known in China as a “yin tonic,” with many traditional uses for maintaining good health. Licorice is considered to be the most widely used herb in China. It is made up of over 150 chemical compounds, which have been shown to have many beneficial effects. Its most frequent use by far is as a complementary herb, with its main function being to bring out the best beneficial effects of other herbs. This makes it an ideal companion for lycium.
Licorice Flavonoid Extract is a concentrated form of licorice bioflavonoids. It is produced according to a process that removes most of the glycyrrhizin, an intensely sweet component of licorice that has been shown to produce undesirable side effects. Based on modern studies, licorice bioflavonoids are among the strongest antioxidants discovered to date.
• Powerful antioxidant
• Good source of phytonutrients
• Beneficial to eyesight and skin
• Powerful tonic
4) Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate is one of the foods for which there is currently a health ‘buzz’. Specifically, it is claimed that the polyphenols found in pomegranate juice have many health benefits, and that extracts of pomegranate can aid in anti-aging and in preventing heart disease. There’s no disputing the fact that antioxidants are extremely vital to our health and well being. There is, however, much discussion today among nutritionists as to which fruit is the most powerful antioxidant, or which contains the most Xanthones or has the highest ORAC value rating. Our Pomegranate juice has them all with a proprietary blend of fruit juices and extracts, including Pomegranate, Pear, Mangosteen, Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry and Grape Seed. ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is an indicator of how well an antioxidant inhibits free radical damage. The ORAC value of fruits can vary greatly, even when testing the same fruit at different times after harvesting. What is important to know is that all of the ingredients of Our Pomegranate juice are near the top of the list in ORAC value, especially Pomegranate and Mangosteen fruit. Pomegranate juice has more polyphenol antioxidants than red wine, green tea, cranberry juice and orange juice. In addition, it is a good source of Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral Iron. Mangosteen is a popular fruit in Asia. Its exquisite taste prompted Queen Victoria to declare it her favorite fruit, henceforth it has been referred to as the “Queen of Fruits!” Its ORAC value is very high, and it is rich in beneficial Xanthones. Xanthones are a family of naturally occurring nutritional compounds in fruits that are super-powerful antioxidants. Experience the incredible power of antioxidants from Pomegranate, Mangosteen, and other exotic fruits with Forever Pomesteen Power! • Super Antioxidant • Unique blend of fruit juices and extracts • Exotic flavor that everyone loves11 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice has become popular in the past few years, but does it really live up to the hype? It looks like it. Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice. Here are eleven: Fights Breast Cancer Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming. Lung Cancer Prevention- pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer. Slows Prostate Cancer- It slows the growth of prostate cancer. Keeps PSA Levels Stable In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Protects the Neonatal Brain Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury. Prevention of Osteoarthritis Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration. Protects the Arteries It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup. Alzheimer's Disease Prevention It may prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice and they performed mental tasks better. Lowers Cholesterol It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol). Lowers Blood Pressure One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent. Dental Protection Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque."All diseases are the consequences of our lifestyles."
People take drugs of which they know little, into bodies, of which they know less, for diseases of which they know nothing at all. - voltaire
"Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are." Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
WISH YOU THE BEST HEALTH
LUCY ONSARIGO
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