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Nutrition
Fast Facts
from LifeScript Vitamins
- Phytochemicals
are biologically active natural substances derived from plants. They are
integral constituents of natural disease resistance. A well known example is
the broccoli phyto-chemical sulforathane, which reaches a potential cancer cell
and activates a sequence of enzymes that efficiently remove the carcinogen from
the cell before any damage occurs.
- Flavonoids are
found in citrus fruits and berries, functioning as plant pigments and giving
color to fruits and flowers. The flavonoids are potent antioxidants against a
spectrum of free radicals which enhance a cell's membrane resistance to cancer
attack. Recent research has documented a unique targeted organ tissue
specificity where specific flavones are found in high concentrated with
scavenger function. Examples include Ginkgo Biloba, which has a target affinity
for the central nervous system, thus increasing cerebral blood flow and oxygen
delivery to brain tissue. Another is Silybum marianum (milk thistle) which
concentrates its antioxidant scavenger activity in the liver, supporting
improved function and protection. Flavonoids appear to modify the systemic
reaction to allergens, viruses and carcinogens, exhibiting anti-inflammatory,
anti-viral and anti-carcinogenic properties.
- Soy Phytoestrogens,
Genistein and Diadzein interfere with new capillary blood vessel formation,
thus inhibiting a tumor's growth. Phytoestrogens provide a natural source of
non-estrogen precursors which support the estrogen effects of female health and
wellness. The cruciferous vegetable cabbage contains phenethyl isothiocyanate
(PEITC), found in research to offer lung cell DNA protection from a carcinogen
found in tobacco smoke inhalation. Indoles and saponins also contribute to
enhanced cellular immunity.
- Carotenoids are
a class of natural plant molecules which serve as potent antioxidants,
particularly of single oxygen unpaired electron free radicals. Approximately
15% of the carotenes also serve as pro-Vitamin A and convert in the liver to
Vitamin A. Recent research has demonstrated the antioxidant scavenger activity
to be protective against carcinogens. D. salina algae is a natural form of
carotenoids, including beta, alpha and gamma carotene, lutein, lycopene, and
select xanthins. These biologically active mixed carotenoids may have a
naturally synergistic protective effect. Macronutrient consumption of whole
foods enriched with carotenes include green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet
potatoes and yams. Make these a cornerstone of your meal planning.
- B Complex
Vitamins help to maintain healthy body growth and organ functions. Thiamine
(Vitamin B1) enhances circulation, assists in carbodydrate metabolism,
optimizes cognitive learning and brain function, and has a positive effect on
blood cell formation, energy production and learning capacity. Riboflavin
(Vitamin B2) is required for the essential functions of red blood cell
formation, antibody production and cellular respiration. Niacinamide (Vitamin
B3, including niacin and nicotinic acid) enhances circulation, supports
functioning of the nervous system and lowers cholesterol through its effects on
metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is
known as the "anti-stress modulator," facilitating the metabolic conversion of
fats, carbohydrates and protein into energy, assisting the production of
adrenal hormones, neurotransmitters, and an essential element of conenzyme A.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is the most ubiquitous of the B vitamins in almost
every body function. It helps maintain vital sodium - potassium balance, is
essential to cellular DNA and RNA synthesis, and activates many enzymes which
enhance Vitamin B12 absorption. Important recent research has demonstrated
inhibition and modulation of a dangerous chemical homocysteine, which attacks
heart muscle and allows cholesterol to be deposited around the heart muscle.
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is needed to prevent anemia. It functions with
Folic Acid in the formation and regulation of red blood cell synthesis, iron
utilization, and nerve tissue growth, particularly to avoid the risk of neural
tube defects during fetal development of pregnancy. Vitamin B12 promotes normal
nerve growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and
protect nerve ending synapses. Cyanocobalamin has a metabolic role in the
production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important to memory and
learning.
- Minerals are
naturally occurring elements found in the Earth's crust. Ultimately, the
natural processes of climate and erosion create mineral salts found in our
soil. These minerals are absorbed by plants, in turn consumed by herbivorous
animals, in turn consumed by humans. This ecosystem is the biological pipeline
for minerals becoming important constituents of life. Minerals are categorized
as macrominerals or microminerals (trace elements). Trace minerals include
boron, which enhances skeletal mineral absorption, bone density, and supports
mental alertness; chromium, which enhances glucose tolerance and modulates fat
metabolism as an energy source; germanium, which is a potent immune system
modulator which stimulates the production of interferon and natural killer
cells; copper and iron, which promote the formation of bone and red blood cells
and the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin; manganese, which is important
for energy production, protein and fat metabolism, and numerous growth
functions; molybdenum, which is important in protein metabolism and normal cell
function; selenium, which is a vital antioxidant that protects the immune
system and inhibits the oxidation of fat lipids; vanadium, which supports
cellular metabolism and growth functions of bone, teeth, muscle, and
reproduction; silicon and sulfur for collagen, connective tissue formation, and
amino acid biosynthesis. Zinc is essential to growth of the reproductive
organs, supports prostate health, and promotes wound healing and important
antioxidant function. Mineral complex supplementation assures appropriate
quantities of each of these vital elements, which should always be consumed in
balanced amounts.
- Antioxidants
are a powerful group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that support the body's
protection from free radical formation and cellular damage. Free radicals are
atoms with a "free" unpaired electron, capable of impairing the immune system,
thus leading to infection and degenerative processes, including cancer and the
aging process. Key antioxidants include Coenzyme Q10, an important co-factor in
cellular energy and oxidative phosphorylation; Ginkgo Biloba, a potent herb
that enhances circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs and supports
nerve tissue function for mental alertness; Glutathione, the cell protector
that also detoxifies environmental tobacco smoke, UV sunlight radiation, toxic
chemotherapy effects, and consumed alcohol. Glutathione has a key role of
combining with selenium, a trace metal to form the enzyme glutathione
peroxidase, which neutralizes the formation of hydrogen peroxide. The
carotenes, vitamins A, C, and E all have powerful antioxidant effects that
destroy potential carcinogens, promote healthy heart tissue, stimulate the
immune system and promote anti-aging.
- Immune System
Modulators includes potent herbs and trace minerals which function with
select antioxidants to stimulate, modulate and protect the immune system. This
"Mr. ImmuneWrench" (a la "Mr. Goodwrench") is the molecular sentry and security
system that identifies and neutralized free radicals before they can cause
cellular damage; induces the production of natural killer cells and interferon,
who tighten the immune-surveillance function of defense from bacterial and
viral infection; and serves to protect from carcinogens and environmental
molecules which damage immune function. The herbal modulators include
astragalus, echinacea, turmeric, goldenseal and the reishi, shitake and maitake
mushrooms. The trace mineral germanium in its organic form improves cellular
oxygenation and stimulates interferon production and its cellular protection.
Manganese, zinc and selenium all support the immune system competency and
function.
- Appetite
suppressants and fat metabolizers include the Indian herb, Garcinia
Cambogia, whose active ingredient hydroxy citric acid (HCA) modulates appetite
and supports the burning of stored fat as an energy source; Chromium
picolinate, which inhibits sugar cravings and enhances the utilization of
glucose from simple carbohydrates; Lecithin, a fat emulsifier which aids in
breakdown of fats; Choline, L-Carnitine, L-Methionine and Inositol, which
support fat burning metabolism; and spirulina and branched-chain amino acids to
promote greater lean body mass.
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