Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals As Cancer Fighters

Phytochemicals are non nutritive plant chemicals that contain protective and disease preventing compounds. More than 900 different phytochemicals have been identified. It is estimated that a single serving of vegetables may have more than 100 different phytochemicals. Some, such as Digitalis and Quinine have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Some Phytochemicals reduce oxidative stress, others dampen inflammation, detoxify contaminants and pollutants, and some activate enzymes that block the uncontrolled division of cells, and some make it easier for nutrients to pass through cells.

Some of the best known phytochemicals are the flavonoids which grow naturally in citrus fruits, onions, apples and grapes. Flavonoids may protect against cancer. 

Indoles another kind of phytochemical are found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts and may offer protection against host of chronic diseases.

Other phytochemicals are Carotenoids and Isoflavones.

Carotenoids
Beta-carotenes, the best known carotenoids give colour to carrots and other orange, red and yellow produce and are converted to vitamin A in our bodies. Lutein and Zeaxanthin (from green vegetables) and Lycopen (from Tomatoes) many protect against coronary artery disease, cataract, macular degeneration and cancer.

Isoflavones

are plant estrogens – soy foods are a rich source and have same effect as estrogen. The benefits may be lowering of blood lipids, decrease risk of hormone related cancers of breast, ovaries, endometrium and prostrate, relief from menopausal symptoms.

Some important Phytochemicals containing food

Cruciferous Vegetables Cauliflower (Gobhi), Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage (Bund gobhi), Mustard green (Sarsaon) and Turnip green (Shalgam)	Contain Indoles and Isothiocyantes. These may help in trigerring enzymes that may act to block carcinogenic damage to the cell DNA.
Orange, Grapefruits and Lemon	Vitamine C and Flavonoids act as antioxidants which can inhibit cancer cell growth.
Soya Products in soya beans and soya milk	Contain Isoflavones. Diet high in these are associated with lower rates of cancers of Breast, Uterus and Prostate.
Garlic & Onion	Contain sulphur compounds which triger enzymes that helps to excrete carcinogens from the body.
Tomatoes	Contain Lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant. Diet high in tomatoes is associated with decreased risk of cancer of stomach, colon and prostate.
Carrots, Sweet Potatoes	Contain alpha and beta carotene which protects against the environmental pollutants
Strawberries,Raspberries,Walnuts,almonds	Contain Polyphenols
Beans, Oats, Barley,Whole wheat	Contain Saponins
Ginger, Mint and Turmeric	Contain Gingerols

Food that help reduce Fat