Holistic Health - Combinations of Antioxidants and Vitamins

Various berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are packed with major antioxidants, carotenoids, and vitamin C. These antioxidants are believed to counteract the formation of many chemical processes that contribute to the formation of cancer.

Allium Family

Certain plants contain compounds kriown as allyl sulfides, which are instrumental in activating enzymes in the body that break down certain cancer-causing substances. These cancer-fighting agents increase the body's ability to excrete the cancer-causing agents. Examples of the allium family include garlic, onions, shallots, and leeks. There are many studies that have shown that people who eat lots of garlic have less cancer of the stomach and colon. It is thought that garlic blocks the

growth of new cancer cells.

Cruciferous Vegetables

These vegetables are four-petaled flowers, which resemble crosses. Vegetables in this group include broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. These cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, appear to protect the body against many types of cancer. Many studies have shown that people who eat an abundance of cruciferous vegetables have a reduced incidence of many types of cancer, including cancer of the colon, bladder, prostate, esopbagus, lung, breast, cervix, and larynx.

Anthocyanins

These are plant pigments that help to protect you from heart disease. They are present in cherries, purple grapes and purple grape juice, raspberries, and strawberries.

Carotenoids

These compounds are antioxidant plant pigments that are converted to vitamin A by the body. There are several types: Beta-carotene is a major source of vitamin A, which lowers the risk for heart disease and certain types of cancer; lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older individuals.

Important sources of beta-carotene include apricots, cantaloupe, mangoes, papayas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark green, leafy vegetables. Important sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green beans, greens (collard, kale, mustard, turnip), romaine and other dark lettuces, seaweed, spinach, and squash (winter types and butternut).

Isoflavones

These compounds act as weak estrogens (phytoestrogens). Eating approximately 100 milligrams of isoflavones daily can improve bone density. Good sources of isoflavones are soy milk, soy protein, tofu, and textured vegetable proteins.

Indoles

Indoles are compounds that help to fight cancer. Good examples of foods with indoles are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.

Folic Acid

This B vitamin helps prevent birth defects and lowers levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid linked to heart disease. Excellen,t sources of folic acid include oranges, broccoli, romaine and other dark lettuces, and spinach.

So, you can see that fiher is not just another pretty face. It is a face of multiple colors, wherein each fruit and vegetable has its own individual face derived from its own plant pigments. Each one of these colorful fruits and vegetables offers a full spectrum of dis­ease prevention.