Nutrition 101 - Phytochemicals

Today, we understand more about nutrition than we ever have. There are an amazing array of active components in our foods that sustain our growth, repair our body tissues, and provide essentials nutrients for living. These active ingredients are commonly thought of as vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants, and/or fiber. When these active ingredients are derived from plants, they are referred to as phytochemicals.


Examples of key phytochemicals include the following:

• beta glucans from whole oat products - linked to reducing total and LDL cholesterol
  
• catechins from black and green teas - associated with the reduced risk of several types of cancer
• glucosinolates/ indoles from cruciferous vegetables - associated with reducing the risk of certain types of cancer
  
• ligans from flaxseed - an omega-3 fatty acid linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer
• limonoids from citrus fruits - associated to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer
  
• lutein from spinach - associated with a reduced risk in age-related macular degeneration
• lycopene from tomatoes- linked with a reduced prostate cancer risk
• monounsaturated fatty acids from almonds and walnuts - linked to reduction of blood lipids (fats)
• organosulfur componds from garlic - associated with lowering blood lipds and improve immunity
• proanthocyanidins from cranberry - associated with reduction of the risk of urinary tract infections
• soluble fiber from psyllium - linked to reducing total and LDL cholesterol

Phytochemicals provide basic nutrition and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Add more fresh vegetables and herbs in your diet to sustain your holistic health.

For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : nutrition, phytochemicals, lutein, cholesterol, holistic, ligans, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, fat, herbs, antioxidants, green tea, omega3, nutritional supplements

Holistic Benefits of Fiber

Dietary fiber may help prevent colon cancer, reduce blood cholesterol, and help maintain a health weight. Additionally, people with type-2 diabetes or insulin resistance are helped with fiber as it can help manage insulin levels by lowering their blood sugar.

But why is fiber a nutritional powerhouse and how does it benefit holistic health and wellness?


Dietary fiber is a member of the carbohydrate family and consists of fruits, vegetables, and the outer linings of seeds, grains, nuts, and beans. Dietary fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble fiber. The human body needs both types to be healthy.


Benefits of Soluble and Insoluble Fiber

Soluble fiber can be dissolved by water. It is often found in apples, bran, beans, oatmeal, seeds, bananas, carrots, and citrus fruits. When digested soluble fiber is combined with water, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls. In the blood stream, it works to balance cholesterol levels and block fat absorption.

Insoluble fiber, as opposed to soluble fiber, can not be dissolved in water. It consists of the cellulose that makes up plant cell walls. It is often found in wheat bran, whole grains, and the skins of most fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber is more resistant to digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract than soluble fiber. As such, it helps to gather up trapped or undigested foods in the intestines as it passes through the colon and therefore is a great remedy for constipation.

Nutritional fiber supplements can also be a healthy alternative for those who can not get sufficient amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. Nutritional supplements often include combinations of psyllium husks, oat bran, apple pectin, and/or other natural cellulose derivatives. Whether in powdered form or capsule, all-natural nutritional supplements can benefit a healthy diet. However, the best holistic plan is to incorporate a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains in your daily diet. Super-charge your nutrition and include dietary fiber as a natural health staple.



For additional information about alternative medicine and other nutrition facts:

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To learn how to optimize nutrition and learn about holistic health:

SC Certified Natural Health Professionals : http://www.sc-cnhp.org

For high quality, all-natural, herbal nutritional supplements:

http://www.herbsexpress.com

Technorati tags : fiber, nutrition, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, insulin, weight loss, nutrition facts, cholesterol, nutritional supplements, blood sugar, carbohydrates, diet, insulin resistance

Insulin Resistance - The Silent Killer

Insulin resistance, or the body's inability to properly use insulin to burn blood sugar, has become a silent epidemic. It has been labeled Syndrome X. Insulin resistance can be a precursor to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and a host of other diseases. Signs of insulin resistance can be obesity ( belly fat ), high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.

To prevent syndrome X, consider these healthy lifestyle choices:

1. Avoid refined carbohydrates. These are foods that are generally white in color, e.g., white bread, cereals, cakes, pasta, ice cream.
2. Increase your protein intake in your diet. Limit red meat as it would have a tendency to aggravate further accompanying symptoms. Healthy choices would include fish and poultry.
   
3. Exercise daily. Walking, swimming, or cycling are all great choices.
   
4. Include dietary nutritional supplements that assist in metabolizing blood sugar and insulin, i.e., vitamins E and C, zinc, chromium, silymarin, and alpha lipoic acid.

To find out more about diet and nutrition, visit

Herbal Nutrition Systems

To find out more about natural methods of health and healing with alternative medicine, visit

Naturopathic-Medicine.net

To find out about natural health education, visit
Certified Natural Health Professionals - SC Chapter



Technorati tags : nutrition, holistic, certified natural health professionals, alternative medicine, fat, insulin resistance, heart disease, diabetes