My Herbs 1

FOODS WITH A HIGH
CONTENT OF
PHYTOCHEMICALS
Tomatoes – contain lycopene and glutathione.
These chemicals are proven to
have antioxidant and anticancer effects
and help with prevention of prostate
cancer.
Orange and yellow fruits (such as
carrots and apricots) – contain betacarotene,
which is a precursor to vitamin
A, and have antitumor properties.
Grapes and wine – contain resveratrol
and anthocyanidins, chemicals that
protect blood vessels and the heart.
Green tea – contains catechins, which
protect the liver and work as a prevention
of arthritis.
Walnuts and almonds – contain
linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory
properties.
Apples and many other foods – contain
tannins, chemicals supporting the
healing of wounds and aiding against
diarrhea.
Spinach – contains lutein, a compound
protecting eyesight.
FIGHTING TUMOURS
WITH PLANTS
Scientists estimate that there are at
least 14 groups of phytochemicals that
work to prevent cancer. They contain
sulphides, phytates, flavonoids, glucarate,
carotenoids, coumarins,
monoterpenes, triterpenes, lignans,
phenolic acids, indoles, isothiocyanates,
phthalides and polyacetylenes.
Many of the phytochemicals have been
shown to have antitumor effects and are
thought to combat atherosclerosis and
various chronic degenerative diseases.
The most important of these chemical
compounds are flavonoids, metabolites
of cystein sulphoxides contained in garlic
and kindred plants, and phytosterols,
which reduce absorption of cholesterol
from animal products. Epidemiologic
studies show that a high intake of derivates
of flavonols, especially derivates
similar to quercetin, lowers the likelihood
of ischemic heart disease.
Phytoestrogens are thought to have
the ability to prevent cancers of endocrinal
tissues – mainly breast and
prostate cancer.
Glucosinolates (e.g., glucoiberin) have
stimulant and inductive effects on the
enzymatic systems, thus helping with
detoxification of even very strong carcinogens.
Tannins, for example, epigallocatechin
in tea, protect our DNA from
damage.
PHYTOCHEMICALS
AND A PHARMACY
The pharmaceutical industry often
imitates nature. The most effective cytostatic
drugs, antibiotics and many
psychoactive substances are based on
phytochemicals. Some of these compounds
were created synthetically or as
derivatives of original active substances
in plants.
In the past, protective plant chemicals
were used in holistic therapy, mainly in
their complex forms – as whole foods
and plants, or in the extracts made
from them.
Phytochemicals work in synergy and,
at the same time, are mutually suppressing
their effects. It seems that the complex
intake of these chemicals is the
safest, and most beneficial approach for
humans. The disadvantage of such a natural
therapy is the fact that it cannot be
patented (and profited on), and that is
why big pharmaceutical companies are
not interested in its research.
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