Your Weekly "Simple Health Secrets" by Asia Moore For Wednesday, July 23, 2003 Compliments of SolvingTheHealthPuzzle.com

Did you know that scientists have found compounds other than vitamins and minerals in produce that may help keep you cancer-free?

Phytochemicals (fi-toe-chemicals) are found in whole grains, beans, peas and many herbs and spices.

What are they? They are compounds that give plant foods their odor, color and flavor and also contribute to the plants' self-defense systems. Each of these potent chemicals has a different name, such as Coumarins (found in tomatoes).

Phytochemicals are present in all fruits and vegetables and in many other common plant foods (phyto comes from the Greek word for "plant").

Below is a list of 7 top phytochemicals, where to find them and what they can do for you.

Garlic: contains Alium compounds, also found in onions and chives. Benefits: may lower cholesterol; may block the formation of cancer-causing chemicals.

Hot Peppers: contain capsaicin. Benefits: may short-circuit the development of various types of cancer; helps to prevent toxic substances from attaching to the DNA within the body's cells.

Carrots: contain Carotenoids, also found in sweet potatoes, kale, cantaloupe, parsley, spinach, cauliflower. Benefits: may stave off lung cancer by shielding the cells from toxins.

Tomatoes: contain Coumarins, also found in citrus fruits. Benefits: may stop the body from forming substances that can give rise to cancer; may prevent blood clots.

Kale: contain Indoles, also found in brussel sprouts, cabbage and broccoli. Benefits: may protect against a variety of cancers by making dangerous toxins easier to excrete.

Oranges: contain Limonoids, also found in other citrus fruits. Benefits: may stimulate the production of natural substances that break down many cancer-causing chemicals.

Raspberries: contain Phenols, also found in grapes, strawberries and blueberries. Benefits: may reduce the risk of cancer by trapping toxic chemicals and flushing them out of the body.

Phytochemicals seem to work their magic by interfering with the development of cancer at the cellular level and many are fat soluble, so they are easier to absorb when they are eaten along with a little fat (a bit of olive oil on your veggies).

Chew, chew and chew some more because the grinding action of your teeth releases the phytochemicals found in foods.

I hope you have enjoyed this simple health "secret", compliments of SolvingTheHealthPuzzle.com where you will learn simple "secrets" for a healthier life.

For other recommended reading, please visit our website for the latest health related information!

Thanks for visiting and remember that being healthy is really a simple matter once you know the "Simple Health Secrets".

Sincerely,

Asia Moore,
Publisher 

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