The Phytochemical Connection
| "Among
the most intriguing talents of phytochemicals is their apparent ability to block the
multiple processes that lead to cancer, heart disease, and other chronic degenerative
diseases." - Sharon
Begley, Medical research journalist - Article in Newsweek |
Of course, some foods are better cancer
and heart disease preventatives than others. Often, the reason for this is the specific phytochemical
composition of various foods. Phytochemicals are natural chemicals found in all
plants, many of which have been discovered to offer an array of specific, extremely
powerful health-promoting and disease-preventing benefits to humans.
As nationally recognized medical nutritionist Dr. Earl
Mindell has stated, "Scientists have discovered hidden medical weapons in vegetables
called phytochemicals. They relieve a variety of diseases and may be the most powerful
cancer preventatives available."
In essence, phytochemicals are the "chemical army"
used by plants to protect the plant from disease, injuries, insects. poisons, pollutants
and other potentially harmful problems. It's little wonder than that we humans - who eat
plants - derive many healthful benefits from these same powerful plant chemicals.
As Dr. Hans Kugler. author of Slowing Down the Aging Process
has stated, thankfully. Mainstream Scientists are finally learning what herbalists have
known for some time: plants contain many powerful healing substances."
Dr. Mindell goes on to state, "Phytochemicals lower
cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, stimulate regular heart beats, detoxify blood, rebuild
the liver, heal ulcers and skin sores, relieve allergies and arthritis, improve memory.
reduce deafness and ringing in the ears, alleviate depression and impotency, and are
powerful antioxidants. They stimulate the immune system helping it to attack and prevent
cancer, and even prevent flu and colds."
Dr. D.L. Davis, senior science advisor at the U.S. Public
Health Service states unequivocally. "Phytochemicals can take tumors and defuse them.
They can turn off the proliferative process of cancer.
As Dr. John Potter. an epidemiologist at the University of
Minnesota. recently told Newsweek magazine, "At almost every step along the pathway
to cancer, phytochemicals slow up or reverse the process."
And as Joseph Weissman, M.D., board-certified Immunologist
and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Medical School states,
"Cancer researchers are very' excited about the results they are getting with
phytochemicals. It makes sense because the Immune System is where all diseases can be
stopped - not just cancer. Phytochemicals can help build one's immunity to illness."
Although only a few short years ago scientists didn't even
know phytochemicals existed, today they are the new frontier in medical science. In fact,
phytochemicals are considered to be so promising that the National Cancer Institute has
launched an extensive, ongoing multimillion dollar project committed to researching the
healing properties of these amazing natural chemicals. Major universities are also doing
research on phytochemicals. The University of Illinois, for example, has recently created
a new department specifically for phytochemical research with 63 professors and scientists
involved.
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