THE NSP CLASSROOM: PART 2

PART 2: PHYTOCHEMICALS AND THEIR BENEFITS
by Sarah Eliason, Health Sciences & Educational Services Dept.
Published in Sunshine Horizons Magazine, Vol. 32, No. 3, July 2007

Phytochemicals are specialized chemicals found in plants. (Phyto is Greek for plant.) Plants actually produce phytochemicals to protect themselves from attackers, such as providing a bitter taste to a bug that nibbles its leaf. Research suggest that phytochemicals can help protect good health and prevent disease in humans as well.

Phytochemicals provide health benefits through a variety of mechanisms. These include inactivating cell-damaging substances, stimulating the immune system, protecting estrogen-influenced organs and maintaining hormonal balance in cells, and providing antibacterial and antiviral actions. Perhaps the biggest benefit phytochemicals offer is their ability to provide antioxidant protection.

Phytochemicals are also responsible for the vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables we eat every day, and they provide many of the health benefits associated with natural supplements. Most herbs provide protective actions through their phytochemicals.

Diets that include good sources of phytochemicals are associated with dramatically better health and longevity in major studies. ~Bloch, A. etal.1995. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Phytochemicals and functional foods. JADA. 95:49-496.



Carotenoids are the pigments responsible for the colors of many yellow, orange, red and green fruits and vegetables. This large family of phytochemicals includes beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, phytoene, phytofluene, and astaxanthin. Carotenoids protect the body through their antioxidant actions. They also support longevity, vision, and the heart and circulatory system.

The accompanying table highlights several phytochemcials and their food and supplement sources. It is not a comprehensive list.

PHYTOCHEMICALS

PHYTOCHEMICAL: Allium Compounds
BENEFITS: May reduce the risk of cellular damage; may help maintain blood lipid and pressure levels already within the normal range.
FOOD SOURCES: onions, leeks, garlic
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: High Potency Garlic

PHYTOCHEMICAL: Capsaicin
BENEFITS: Creates an environment inhospitable to invaders; suppoerts digestion; may help protect DNA.
FOOD SOURCES: hot peppers
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Capsicum (100), Capsicum Extract, Capsicum Shaker, Capsicum & Garlic with Parsley, & for a limited time only Our 35th Anniversary Capsicum Set

PHYTOCHEMICAL: Carotenoids
BENEFITS: Protect the eyes; antioxidant; immune-supporting.
FOOD SOURCES: fruits and vegetables
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Carotenoid Blend, Perfect Eyes® , Super Supplemental with Iron, Super Supplemental without iron, VitaWave®

PHYTOCHEMICAL: Indoles
BENEFITS: Modulate estrogen metabolism; may also have antioxidant properties; cell protecting.
FOOD SOURCES: Cruciferous vegetables
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Indole-3-Carbinol

PHYTOSTEROLS

PHYTOSTEROL: Beta-sitosterol
BENEFITS: May help promote prostate health; supports blood-lipid levels in the normal range.
FOOD SOURCES: pumpkin seeds
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Cholester-Reg® II, Men's Formula, Saw Palmetto(100), Saw Palmetto Concentrate softgel (60)

PHYTOSTEROL: Campestrol Stigmasterol
BENEFITS: Support blood-lipid levels in the normal range.
FOOD SOURCES: beans, buckwheat
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Cholester-Reg® II

POLYPHENOLS

POLYPHENOL: Flavonoids
BENEFITS: Also called bioflavonoids. Antioxidants; promote circulatory and immune system health.
FOOD SOURCES: fruits, vegetables
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Super Supplemental with Iron, Super Supplemental without iron, VitaWave®, Vitamin C Citrus Bioflavonoids

POLYPHENOL: Proanthocyanidins
BENEFITS: Antioxidants; cross the blood-brain barrier and quench free radicals in the brain; also support cellular health.
FOOD SOURCES: grapes, cocoa, berries
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: High Potency Grapine® , SynerPro Grapine with Protectors

POLYPHENOL: Catechins
BENEFITS: Powerful, energizing antioxidants; support the immune system; promote energy.
FOOD SOURCES: tea, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, wine
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Green Tea Extract

POLYPHENOL: Isoflavones
BENEFITS: Phytoestrogens; may have antioxidant activity; may also support the immune system.
FOOD SOURCES: soy foods
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Breast Assured® , Phyto-Soy® , Red Clover

POLYPHENOL: Hesperidin
BENEFITS: Antioxidant and respiratory benefits; may also support circulation and blood health.
FOOD SOURCES: citrus fruits
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Perfect Eyes® , Super Supplemental with Iron, Super Supplemental without iron

POLYPHENOL: Rutin
BENEFITS: Antioxidant benefits plus immune-supportive properties; helps with blood flow and cell health.
FOOD SOURCES: buckwheat, black tea, apple peels
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Super Supplemental with Iron, Super Supplemental without iron, Vitamin C Citrus Bioflavonoids

POLYPHENOL: Quercetin
BENEFITS: Antioxidant; immune-supporting and digestive benefits; may also have respiratory benefits.
FOOD SOURCES: garlic, onions, red grapes, green tea
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: HistaBlock® , Perfect Eyes®

POLYPHENOL: Silymarin
BENEFITS: Protects the liver from harmful substances; keeps toxins from penetrating liver cells and promotes the growth of healthy new cells.
FOOD SOURCES: milk thistle
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Milk Thistle Combination, Milk Thistle Time-Release

POLYPHENOL: Ellagic Acid
BENEFITS: Antioxidant; cell-protecting; supports blood lipid levels already within the normal range.
FOOD SOURCES: berries, grapes, walnuts
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Breast Assured® , Thai-Go®

POLYPHENOL: Curcuminoids
BENEFITS: Antioxidants; may help protect cells against invaders and help maintain blood lipid levels.
FOOD SOURCES: turmeric, curry
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Perfect Eyes®

POLYPHENOL: Resveratrol
BENEFITS: Antioxidant; supports longevity; may help cardio-protective benefits.
FOOD SOURCES: grapes, red wine, berries
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Cardio Assurance® , Cholester-Reg® II, Nattozimes Plus, ingredients in Thai-Go®

POLYPHENOL: Lignans
BENEFITS: Estrogenic; antioxidant; may help protect cell growth.
FOOD SOURCES: whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans
NSP SUPPLEMENTS: Breast Assured® , Flax Seed Oil with Lignans softgel (60), Flax Seed Oil Liquid(8 fl.oz)


Please let me know if I can send you additional information on these or any other Nature's Sunshine Products. Karen (704)588-7638 herbsplus@mynsp.com