The only thing that keeps each one of us an original work of art is our God-breathed DNA. Locked inside our cellular structure, our DNA is protected by the nucleus of our cells. When we neglect to keep our cells well fed through healthy nutrients (i.e. antioxidants) we leave our internal body vulnerable to attack. Once our cells are under attack their defense mechanism is challenged and, depending upon the health of the cell, can become compromised. Thus enters in the best reason we have for eating/living a healthy life. We’ve all heard that we’re supposed to eat healthy food for our everyday need but what about tomorrow when our health may be under attack? Do we really need to prepare for a health crisis or is it just enough to respond with medical intervention once the damage is done? Yes and yes/no. Here’s why.
Health crisis
Our body can be naturally predisposed to certain diseases/health risks through our genetic pre-disposition. When we prepare for our future we prepare to fight what “may” come our way one day. Say for example my mother had coronary disease. It would make sense if I learned now the what/how/why behind certain “building blocks” found in coronary disease fighting food. On the other hand, it’s almost impossible to defend myself against everything that “may” come my way, but it sure makes sense to put some money away in my body’s 401K retirement fund in case of emergency. If I stay healthy, focusing on consuming the right nutrients/vitamins/minerals through what affects me the most every day (food/beverage consumption), then my bank account will accumulate a positive balance, right? Right. If I need it one day then I can dip my cup into my wellness well and withdraw from it as needed, right? Absolutely right! But the key is in what I deposit inside of me.
Disease fighting foods = Phytonutrients
Only certain foods contain immediate health benefits and act as “building blocks” for our future wellness. Those foods contain a chemical plant compound known as Phytonutrients (aka Phytochemicals). The key ingredient from food containing these nutrients is more than just what they supply now; it’s what they build inside of us for later use. Mostly rich, dark green and bright colors (think red, blue/purple, yellow, orange, white and green) found in fruits and vegetables, these foods contain precious nutritional commodities to my body now while performing priceless benefits to our body’s bank account for later use. According to a recent study, “America’s Phytonutrient Report” http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/nutrilite00915/downloads/APR_Womens_Health_FINAL.pdf), our body’s interaction with certain plant foods can provide countless benefits in the fight against three leading causes of death: Cancer, heart/coronary disease and diabetes. The primary reason(s) we consume fresh fruit and vegetables are for their natural “medicinal” benefits listed below:
*Restoration – It is a known fact that the antioxidants found in plant food restore, rebuild and renew healthy cells in our body. Without antioxidants our body is left defenseless against disease and infection (from cancer to the common cold) to aging (skin, hair, nails as well as our internal organs, tissue and cells).
*Prevention – Heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity are at the top of the list with each benefiting from the consumption of Phytonutrients.
Color is extremely important when identifying particular benefits from plant foods and is the “key” that unlocks what our body wants to do naturally but can’t without them: fight and prevent.
Green, Yellow and Red: From prevention to fighting, each of these colors has known benefits for cancer victims (potential and active victims).
Green = Contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin carotenoids that pack a punch of high antioxidants, excellent resource of healthy nutrients for potential breast and ovarian cancer victims. Darker, leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, dark lettuce) have the highest concentration followed by lettuce, broccoli and collard greens. Oranges, summer squash, green peace and sweet yellow corn were also listed as great sources, as well.
Red = Lycopene. Known to prohibit cell cycle progression and in some case studies have provided positive effects on the reduction of breast and ovarian cancer according to the report. The study goes on to pin point the findings based upon a weekly consumption of two and a half cups of tomato sauce, resulting in a decrease in risk for ovarian cancer.
Yellow and orange = There are two types of carotenoids derived from these two colors: Alpha-carotene and Beta-carotene. Alpha is primarily associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer while Beta acted as an inhibitor for the growth and malignant transformation of cells. Carrots, pumpkin and winter squash represented the most common food products containing the alpha-carotene. Beta-carotene is mostly found in orange colored fruits and vegetables, but can also be found in green/leafy lettuce and carrots, as well. Overall, approximately 35% of both pre and post-menopausal women experienced a 35% reduction in risk to breast cancer, followed by a 20% decrease in risk to ovarian cancer when consuming these carotenoids. Based upon the age of those tested, carrots followed by spinach and then tomatoes seemed to be the food preferences by younger women. Sweet potatoes, spinach and tomatoes made the top of the list for older women tested.
Beta-cryptoxanthin was associated under the “yellow and orange” food category and noted as a neutralizer for certain oxidative and genetic properties, possibly helping cancer victims in their fight/prevention against cancer.
The best thing we can do for our bodies is to help them prepare for what may come. Just as you would build a fence around your yard, to keep unwanted intruders out, you need to build a fence around your cells. In doing so, you will be providing healthy barriers between you and disease.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Building a barrier inside your body helps your body build a natural “defense”.
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