Phytonutrients work as powerful antioxidants,
protecting cells and organs from damage caused by free
radicals. Phytonutrients are whole plant concentrates found in the
skins of grapes, in green tea, broccoli, carrots, pine bark, grape seeds,
wheat germ, d.Salina (Dunaliella salina), from an algal source, acerola
cherries, lemons and rose hips. Phytochemicals are the biologically active
substances in plants that give them their color, flavor, odor, and protection
against plant diseases.
Bioflavonoids (Rutin, Citrin, and Hesperidin)
Bioflavonoids are water soluble plant pigments and are found in
a wide range of fruits and vegetables. The Bioflavoniod rutin, citrin,
and hesperidin are found accompanying Vitamin
C in citrus fruits.
Bioflavonoids are commonly used to reduce skin bruising and to promote
venous strength and integrity.
Bioflavonoids are often included with Vitamin C supplements to are
usually included as an additional ingredient in Vitamin C preparations
in order to add the synergistic phytonutrients that occur naturally with
Vitamin C.
Grape Seed Extract
The scientific names for grape seed species include Vitis vinifera
and Vitis coignetiae, from the family Vitaceae. The antioxidant Grape Seed
Extract works as a natural free radical scavenger. It is more potent than
Vitamin E,
exhibits greater activity than Vitamin C. Working hand in hand with glutathione,
this highly bioavailable bioflavinoid complex increases the effectivness
of Vitamin C as a carrier and restorer of the oxidized form of this important
vitamin.
Grape Seed Extract acts as an anti-aging factor by removing and
preventing lipofuscin formation in the brain and heart. The "aging"
pigment. Lipofuscin is the pigment left over from the breakdown and digestion
of damaged blood cells. Grape Seed Extract an effective smooth muscle relaxer
and blood vessel expander. Grape seed oil contains tocopherols (vitamin
E) and essential fatty acids. The active agent, PCO extract, is also found
in pine bark. Grape seed oil extract is used to treat venous and capillary
disorders including varicose veins, capillary disorder, retinopathy and
macular degeneration. Some compounds from grape seed oil appear to have
liver-protecting activity while others appear to have hepatoxic liver-damaging
effects. Seed tannins stimulate cell renewal by interfering directly with
mucosal proteins. Procyanidines from the grape seeds and skins may be useful
in preventing tooth decay. Both red and green grapes contain disease-fighting
flavonoids and other phytochemicals.
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)
Used primarily to treat venous and capillary disorders including
varicose veins, capillary disorder, retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Pine bark also may be used as an antioxidant. The active agent, PCO extract,
is also found in grape seed.
Proanthocyanidins (OPC)
Proanthocyanidins are the most potent antioxidants known to man,
up to 50 times more potent than Vitamin
E and 20 times more than Vitamin C. They nutritionally support the
immune system, help protect against damaging free radicals, support collagen
and are natural protectors against aging.
Proanthocyanidins also called OPC "Oligomeric Proantho
Cyanidins," are natural health supporting compounds found in
plants. OPC's are concentrated in fibrous parts of fruits and
vegetables and are often destroyed by cooking. The main functions of
proanthocyanidins are as antioxidants and in the stabilization of
collagen and maintenance of elastin two critical proteins in
connective tissue, blood vessels, and muscle.
Lutein
The carotenoid Lutein
forms a pigment in the eye that filters out damaging forms of light, and
function as antioxidants, protecting against cell damage. Lutein reduces
the risk of macular degeneration a common cause of blindness in the elderly.
They also may reduce the risk of lung, colon, and prostate cancer, and
improve immune response. Most Lutein supplements also contain Zeaxanithin,
an important carotene for healthy eyes. Red bell peppers great food source
of Lutien and Zeaxanithin. One whole red bell pepper contains about 280%
of the Daily Value for Vitamin C and the carotene level is nine times higher
in a red pepper than in a green pepper.
Lycopene
The carotenoid Lycopene
is an open-chain unsaturated carotenoid that imparts red colour to tomatoes,
guava, rosehip, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Lycopene functions as an
antioxidant, protecting the protein, fat, and DNA in cells from free radical
damage. In the body, Lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate
gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher
than all other carotenoids. Lycopene lowers the risk of cardiovascular
disease, colon, macular degenerative disease, pancreatic, and prostate
cancer.
Lycopene in tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body
if processed into juice, sauce, paste and ketchup. The health benefits
of lycopene can be enjoyed by drinking as little as 540 mL (about two glasses)
of tomato juice a day. In one six-year study by Harvard Medical School
and Harvard School of Public Health, the diets of more than 47,000 men
were studied. Of 46 fruits and vegetables evaluated, only the tomato products
(which contain large quantities of lycopene) showed a measurable relationship
to reduce prostate cancer risk. As consumption of tomato products increased,
levels of lycopene in the blood increased, and the risk for prostate cancer
decreased. The study also showed that the heat processing of tomatoes and
tomato products increases lycopene's bioavailability.
Quercitin
Quercitin is a bioflavinoid with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
anti-cancer, and anti-viral effects, and it improves Vitamin
C absorption and retention. It is useful for those suffering from allergies
and swelling due to injury.
