The Value of Phytochemicals
Phyto is Greek for plant, so the word chemicals is a bit misleading. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. These compounds are used by our body to prevent the onset of disease.
Certain Phytochemicals like digitalis and quinine have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. As we speak, laboratory scientists are deciphering the many ways Phytochemicals in food may offer front-line defences against cancer. It appears that phytochemicals have the ability to stop cell conversion from healthy to to cancerous. One such impact is to render the hormone estrogen less harmful or dominant thus reducing the risk of breast cancer. A good example of this is Isothiocyanates. This tongue twister, also know as Indoles, is in calciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale,and cauliflower. It is very important that these vegetables are organically grown in nutritively rich soil. It is thought that these vegetables protect against cancer through their effect on enzymes. On the other hand, Saponins found in beans and legumes may prevent cancer cells from multiplying by influencing the genetic material of the cell.
Phytochemicals in Food
There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of Phytochemicals in one tomato or orange.
Allylsulfiides found in the garlic and onion family have been found to increase enzymes that affect cancer-causing substances and help the body rid itself of them. In addition Elllagic acid found in strawberries and raspberries reduce the genetic damage caused by carcinogens like tobacco smoke and and air pollution. This is good news for those of you who are unfortunate enough to live with or around smokers who are either too narcissistic or too weak to quit. As a side note, I can offer help to those who want to quit but can’t seem to do it on their own. 85 to 90% of my patients quit smoking with one treatment.
Choose Whole Foods
Don’t try to get your phytochemicals in supplements only, and make sure that the supplements you are using are whole food supplements. Some may claim to be but are not. If you wish to have some help in this, please contact me via email or phone. It is very important to get a healthy portion of your phytochemicals in your daily diet. Also stay away from commercial produce. It is loaded with toxic chemicals and void of nutrition. This is not my opinion; it is validated by the CDC.
That is all for now. I will finish this discussion in another What’s on My Mind. So long for now.
Doc Earl