Saturday, March 1, 2014

How Phytochemicals help in diseases prevention including Cancer

Phytochemicals - These are commonly found in all fruits and vegetables and that is the main reason why we have to take more fruits and vegetables. The best doctor in the world, which is our immune system needs phytochemical, anti-oxidant and polysaccharide.
 
Phytochemicals are chemicals that are produced by plants to help them from UV free radical damages. These beneficial chemicals block various hormone actions and metabolic pathways that are associated with the development of cancer.
 
Many phytochemicals have been shown to provide protection against malignant cell growth, look at few examples:
  • Sulforaphane, a phytochemical exists in the cruciferous vegetables can activate the Phase II enzymes in our body to destroy cancer causing substances.
  • Genistein, a phytochemical exists in Soy prevents the growth and spreading of tumours by cutting off their oxygen and nutrients supplies from capillary blood vessels.
  • Indole-3, a phytochemical exists in broccoli and berries helps to break down cancer causing estrogen into harmless form.
  • and many more..
Phytochemicals is very beneficial when it's coming through wholesome food source, as it doesn't cause any side effects. Unfortunately the same can't be said for chemically processed phytochemical supplement, like Genistein pill which may easily cause burden to liver and kidney as our body needs to perform additional steps to recognise them.
 
Orange contains 100+ types of phytochemicals, Aloe Vera contains about 300+ types, and cactus contains up to 10,000 types of phytochemicals. Given a choice, cactus will be very beneficial if we are able to take it into our diet.
 
I will share more on my diet to make my stay healthy and stay fit.
 
 
Siew Choon
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