| Up until recently, a super strong immune system | | | | Another type of phytonutrients are polyphenols, |
| was considered to be only for the genetically | | | | which became well-known when is was found to |
| gifted. However we now know that we can build | | | | be abundant in green tea and wine. They protect |
| our own super strong immunity. | | | | the nerves from damage and are |
| Normally, nutrients such as protein, vitamins, | | | | anti-carcinogens, which means they protect you |
| minerals and fats are the ones we pay attention | | | | from cancers. |
| to since they are considered essential for life. Now | | | | These phytonutrients also protect you from heart |
| there is a new, super nutrient to pay attention to. | | | | disease, lower blood pressure, and improve blood |
| Phytonutrients are nutrients supplied by the plants | | | | flow. They reduce internal inflammation, which is a |
| we eat including fruits and vegetables. They are a | | | | factor in a number of degenerative diseases. |
| class of nutrients that are not considered | | | | Lignans are phytonutrients found in unrefined |
| "essential," because they are thought to be | | | | grains, legumes, seeds and certain vegetables. |
| non-essential for life. | | | | These include flax seeds,sesame seeds, sunflower |
| You may have heard of some of these; | | | | seeds, cashews, garlic, kale, broccoli, carrots, and |
| carotenoids, flavenoids, isoflavones, lignans and | | | | cauliflower among others. |
| phenols being among them. They are natural | | | | Lignans are powerful nutrients. Some studies have |
| detoxifiers for our bodies, antioxidants, they | | | | reported eating foods containing these |
| enhance the immune response, repair DNA | | | | phytoestrogens reduce the risk of prostate |
| damage, and even kill cancer cells. | | | | cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancers. |
| Your best source of phytonutrients are fruits, | | | | Some studies have shown that lignans protect |
| vegetables and certain teas. Certain whole grains | | | | against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. |
| contain them, also. | | | | The oils of some of these foods, such as flax oil, |
| Carotenoids are the most commonly researched. | | | | are believed by some to help balance the |
| They protect against free radical damage and | | | | endocrine, or hormonal system. |
| oxidative damage. This gives you protection | | | | Another category of phytonutrients are plant |
| against certain cancers, especially of the lung, skin, | | | | phenols. The scientific community believes them |
| cervix, and uterine. They promote growth of | | | | to be strong antioxidants. They may also protect |
| healthy cells, which will replace diseased cells. | | | | against damage to DNA from the oxidation, which |
| Carotenoids also help protect you from heart | | | | is a factor in cardiovascular disease and cancer. |
| disease and heart attacks. They inhibit the | | | | They are believed to interfere at every stage of |
| formation of bad or harmful cholesterol. In | | | | cancer formation, which may reduce the overall |
| addition, they filter harmful UV rays which may | | | | risk. |
| protect your skin and even protect your retinas | | | | Medical research is finally proving what mother |
| from free radical damage. | | | | has always told us - eat your fruits and |
| The major carotenoids are beta-carotene, | | | | vegetables to stay healthy and get super strong |
| lycopene, and lutein. They are found in yellow, | | | | immunity. It may be that phytonutrients are more |
| orange, red and green vegetables and fruits. | | | | essential than you thought. |
| Some of these foods include bell peppers, spinach, | | | | Find more foods that heal and learn how a colon |
| lettuce, carrots, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. | | | | cleanse can help at springclean-cleanse. |