Liquid Vitamins Fortify Phytonutrients, Why?

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Title: Liquid Vitamins Fortify Phytonutrients, Why?

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Author: Weigum

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Liquid Vitamins Fortify Phytonutrients, Why?

Copyright 2005 Weigum

Phytonutrients or phytochemicals have recently been

recognized as playing an important part in one’s health.

Research has shown that phytonutrients play a crucial role

in proper absorption of nutrients. Also, they have been

important in cellular function and regeneration. They work

on our body systems to promote health and prevent disease.

There are many that fit in this category. However, they

are not considered essential but more so semi-essential

nutrients. These semi-essential nutrients have been

attributed as anti-oxidants, immune system boosters, and

hormone regulators.

Phytonutrients are nutrients found in fruits, vegetables,

and their extracts. Phytonutrients can also be found in

liquid vitamin supplements. To begin, an explanation of

some classes of the phytonutrients is necessary.

Bioflavonoids are a class of phytonutrients that bind to

toxic metal ions and help to rid the body of them. They

also provide anti-infection properties and are

anti-carcinogenic as well. Some of the best food choices

are rosehips, berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, cherries,

papaya, grapes, cantaloupe, plums, tea, buckwheat leaves,

red wine, and tomatoes.

Another class of phytonutrients is the allium compounds.

Allium compounds benefit the body by fighting cancer and

heart disease. Garlic is in this class of phytonutrients.

How do the allium compounds prevent cancer? Garlic is able

to block the conversion of nitrites and nitrates (found in

many preserved foods). Why is this important? Well, the

nitrites and nitrates convert in the body to nitrosamines.

Nitrosamines are known cancer causing compounds. Also,

garlic has been linked to lower cholesterol in the blood.

So garlic acts similar to antioxidants. Onions, leeks,

shallots, and chives are also considered allium compounds.

Why is broccoli good for us? Broccoli is good because it

is considered a glucosinolate? Glucosinolates are a class

of phytonutrients. Glucosinolates have been found to be

important cancer fighters. Studies show that foods high in

glucosinolates reduce the risk of lung, stomach,

colorectal, and breast cancer. Glucosinolates are so good

at fighting cancer by detoxifying the liver. Brussel

sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are good sources

of glucosinolates.

Ellagic acid is a class of phytonutrient. High levels of

ellagic acid can be found in strawberries, raspberries, and

grapes. This compound neutralizes carcinogens before they

can damage DNA. Ellagic acid neutralizes a specific

carcinogen found in red meat, nitrosamine. Also, ellagic

acid is effective against another common carcinogen,

aflatoxin. This carcinogen is found to be in low levels in

a number of foods, including peanuts.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and phytonutrient found

in tomatoes. Lycopene is credited for giving the tomato

its red color. Lycopene is also found in watermelon as

well as recognized on your ketchup bottle label. Some

tomato plants have actually been bioengineered to contain 3

to 4 times the normal levels of lycopene. These are only a

few of the phytonutrients known to health science. There

are many more with many different benefits. The secret of

phytonutrients has been discovered by health professionals

and awaits many to reap the benefits. Maintaining good

health is worth the time it takes to add a tomato to a

cheese burger or take a liquid vitamin supplement fortified

with phytonutrients.

About the Author:

Dan is a health conscious webmaster searching for answers

to health issues that affect everyone everyday. Learn more

about important health topics at

http://www.vitaminmaniac.com in the health articles section.