WHAT ARE PHYTONUTRIENTS?

Have you had your greens today?  Experts say that we'd have better health if we would eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday.  Pytonutrients are necessary for optimal health. Phytonutrients,  (from the Greek phyton for "plant") simply means a "nutrient from a plant."

Derived from the Greek word phyto (plant) and nutrient (a constituent of food necessary for normal physiological function), phytonutrients—also known as phytochemicals—are natural, bioactive compounds found in plant foods. Most phytonutrients overlap and complement one another, boasting complete benefits that include antioxidant effects and immune system stimulation. In short, specific phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables work together with other nutrients to protect your health.

Phytonutrients stimulate our natural detoxification system.  They affect the hormonal system positively and act as anti-bacterial and anit-viral super stars.  The best known phytonutrients are carotenoids, flavonoids, isoflavones and now xanthones.  Xanthones are relatively new to the pack so we have decided to dedicate an entire page to our new friends, 'Xanthones'.  For more info on xanthones click here.

* Eating phytonutrients is like putting on a Superman suit!  Did you know that plants have their own immune system? Plants make their own disease-fighting chemicals. The same phytonutrients that help keep the plant healthy keep our bodies healthy.  Some phytonutrients inhibit cancer-producing substances, reducing their ability to damage cells. When repairs can stay ahead of destruction, degenerative diseases cannot begin.

Phytonutrients are nutrients derived from plant material that have been shown to be necessary for sustaining human life. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that contain protective, disease-preventing, compounds. Their role in plants is to protect plants from disease, injuries, insects, drought, excessive heat, ultraviolet rays, and poisons or pollutants in the air or soil. They form part of the plants immune system.

Juicing is a good way to get more phytonutrients into your system since not many people actually eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  If you choose to juice than be sure to have a variety fruits of different colors.  Of all the phytochemicals, we probably know the most about carotenoids, the red, orange and yellow pigments found in fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols are another common phytochemical and generally come in two classifications: flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Found in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, teas, and soybeans, polyphenols appear to fight allergies, inflammation, free radicals, hepatotoxins, platelet aggregation, microbes, ulcers, viruses and tumors.

* Phytonutrients fight cancer. Cancer starts with a cell out of control. As cells wear out or get injured, they replace themselves with new and healthy cells. Our DNA within each cell keeps this process in check.  Since our cells multiply by the millions per minute, a stray cell can get out of control. It may continue reproducing itself, eventually damaging the host organ.  The out-of- control cancer cells also try to damage other organs by entering the body's blood vessels, a process called metastasis.

Some cancer cells are probably formed in every person every day. Yet the body's own defense system recognizes these invaders and attacks. Almost always, the body wins, so that these cancer cells never have a chance to develop, or they are destroyed before they have a chance to spread or cause damage. Occasionally, the body's defenses aren't strong or effective enough to overcome these rebellious cells, and the person "gets cancer." Phytonutrients seem to be the most cancer protective against epithelial cells, those that form the lining of organs, such as the mouth, lungs, bladder, uterus, and digestive tract. These cells are the ones most exposed to carcinogens.

* Phytonutrients help hearts.  LDLs, the bad cholesterol, become harmful after an encounter with a free radical, when oxidation takes place and artery walls are damaged.  Antioxidant phytonutrients can block this process and thus prevent cardiovascular disease.

* Phytonutrients boost immunity. Phytonutrients, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, mobilize the body's immune cells, like a protective armor to keep invading pollutants and germs from entering the cell.  

Just doing things that feel good can also boost your immune system.  Doing what you love is a natural de-stresser.  Drinking pure water, meditating or relaxing, doing moderate exersize like Chi Kung will also boost your immunity.  By bringing just one good thing into your life each day will give you an accumulation of new energy, a new life style and your body will thank you!