|
Within
Ayurlight Home Articles Ayurveda Yoga Books Education Resources Contact About
    |
|
Phytochemicals By Sarah Tewhey Plants make their own medicines to protect themselves from disease, harsh conditions and insect infestation. (Yanick) Scientists are discovering that these same compounds that keep plants alive and thriving seem to have a powerful effect on human health as well. There are innumerable thousands of active phytochemicals found in vegetables, fruits and grains. These compounds that give plants their unique colors and tastes are also being linked to reductions in high blood pressure, diabetes, Alzheimer's and heart disease. (Yanick) Most notably phytochemicals have been connected to cancer prevention. From boosting general immunity to actually interfering with the chemical processes that create carcinogens phytochemicals hold great promise for cancer researchers. (Balch 9) Trying to sort through the different groups of phytochemicals is tongue twisting, slightly confusing and quite miraculous. Here are a few of the phyto-families you may have already heard about: Flavonoids are found in berries, red wine and blue and purple foods as well as coffee, many teas, citrus fruits, onions and dark chocolate. Flavonoids are antioxidants and may prevent some of the compounds that cause cancer from attaching themselves to healthy cells. The phytoestrogens contain a group known as isoflavones. Isoflavones have been found to protect the effect of estrogen on bones, lower bad cholesterol and may help prevent cancer. Isoflavones are found mainly in soy products. (Yanick) Saponins are found in legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, many beans and whole grains. They may lower cholesterol and may also keep cancer cells from reproducing. (Yanick) Allium compounds found in onions and garlic promotes activity against tumors and are antibiotic. (Intelihealth) The indoles in brussel sprouts and cauliflower can boost the immune system. Carotenoids found in all orange, red and dark green foods reduce damage done to the body by pollution and act as antioxidants. The numbers of known phytochemicals reach into the thousands. Despite a desire to increase our intake of phytochemicals, experts are wisely advising caution. It is yet unknown exactly when a healthy dosage of a certain phytochemical may become toxic. Already certain foods are being bred for higher phytochemical content and nutritional supplements containing isolated phytochemicals are popping up in health food stores. (Intelihealth) Because our world is becoming an increasingly hazardous place to live, an increase in phytochemical intake is a benefit to health and disease prevention. For now, taking phytochemicals in their naturally occurring forms is the safest way to increase phytochemical consumption until more is known about these powerful plant compounds. Balch, Phyllis, and Balch, James. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 3rd ed. New York: Avery, 2000. Intellihealth.com. Future Super Foods? Key Disease Phyters. 8 October 2003. Yanick, Paul, Jr. Successful treatment of carcinogenesis with phytochemicals. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, June 2003 p56. copyright 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------ Sarah Tewhey is a student and teacher of Yoga, Ayurveda and the healing arts. She completed two years of study with Dr. Vasant Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute and a B.S. at Lesley University in Mind/Body Studies with a specialization in the female healing process and its relationship to modern medicine. Sarah is currently a student in the Masters program at Southwest Acupuncture College in Albuquerque. Sarah can be contacted at: sarah@ayurlight.com |
|
|
Copyright © 2002 Ayurlight.com |
