Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals (pronounced fight-o-chemicals) mean chemicals from plants. The word comes from the Greek root "phyto" meaning plant. Plants provide many beneficial nutrients which may protect against cancer. They are the substances that produce many of the beneficial effects found in a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains.

There is more than 900 of these plant chemicals found in foods, and one serving of a fruit or vegetable may have as many as 100 different plant chemicals. Usually the fruits and vegetables with the brightest colors (red, purple, blue, green, and yellow) have the most phytochemicals and nutrients.

Research has shown that foods with these plant chemicals help provide protection from diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.

Some of the more common types

Carotenoids, the pigments that make fruits and vegetables orange, red, and yellow (dark green vegetables and fruits like kiwi contain these pigments, too, but green chlorophyll masks the carotenoids’ colors).
Ellagic acid found in berries.
Thiocyanates, the smelly sulfur compounds that make you turn up your nose at the aroma of boiling cabbage.
Daidzein and genistein, hormonelike compounds in many fruits and vegetables.
Dietary fiber.
Isothiocyanates (found in broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts) may suppress tumor growth and hormone production.
Flavonoids (apples, grapefruit, red wine, etc.), soy and lycopene (found in tomatoes) also demonstrate protection against cancer.

Health maintenance roles

Reduce cholesterol levels
Help move food through your intestines
Keep cells healthy
Help prevent the formation of cancer-producing substances (carcinogens)

Different Kinds

Each group accomplishes a specific role in maintaining health and reducing the risk of certain illnesses.

Antioxidants
Phytoestrogens - Hormonelike compounds - May lower the risk of heart disease and reduce the incidence of reproductive cancers (cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, and prostate).
Enzyme-activating sulfur compounds
Vitamins are phytochemicals.
Pigments such as beta carotene

Recommendatioins

The U.S. Department of Agriculture/Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines for Americans urges people to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and several servings of grains every day.

Establish a Nutritional Foundation that supplies Phytochemicals

VIBE® - 1-2 ounces daily - split between AM/PM
Liquid multi-nutrient delivery technology that provides critical essential nutrients and cofactors needed for the body to thrive. VIBE provides outstanding daily nutritional support and contains specialized nutrients to manage the aging process.*

Phytamins® (Vitamins) - 1 ounce daily - in PM
Assists the immune system. Enhances bone strength and flexibility. Promotes healthy brain functions. Supports respiration of tissues. Complements minerals. Effectively converts food into energy.*

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please, consult your health care provider before taking over the counter or prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or following any health treatment or regimen. The above product(s) is not a substiture for a well balanced diet.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

			topic: phytochemicals