Beta-carotene

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Power Healing: Use the New Integrated Medicine to Cure Yourself Leo Galland See book keywords and concepts

The difference is that food rich in beta-carotene is also rich in other antioxidants and can support the whole antioxidant defense system in a way that pills of a single nutrient cannot. I recommend you follow the dietary guidelines in Chapter Six as the first step toward achieving optimum resistance to infection. Not only will you reach adequate levels of all the essential nutrients for immune function, you'll minimize your exposure to pesticides, which impair immunity.

Most people with chronic, nonprogressive HIV infection have long abandoned their high-risk activities and use of drugs, and are consuming diets of high nutrient density supplemented with large doses of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants. Nutrition may not be the reason they have remained well, but higher nutritional intake early in the course of infection is associated with a better prognosis, and antioxidant supplementation has been advocated as a safe and rational strategy for immune support by scientists studying the effects of AIDS on the body.

PowerFoods: Good Food, Good Health with Phytochemicals, Nature's Own Energy Boosters Stephanie Beling See book keywords and concepts

The red, green, yellow, and orange PowerFoods are loaded with carotenoids—especially beta-carotene and lycopene—that have been shown to reduce the accumulation of plaque in arteries. One wide-ranging, long-term study confirmed that increased intake of fruit, vegetable, and cereal fiber lowered the risk of coronary heart disease among men by lowering cholesterol and producing "other beneficial physiological effects."* Raw onion, with its high content of organosulfurs—particularly diallyl disulfide—is a potent inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis.

Nutrition and Mental Illness: An Orthomolecular Approach to Balancing Body Chemistry Carl C. Pfeiffer See book keywords and concepts

The following supplements are also recommended: B-6, 50 mg, for improvement of short-term memory (dream recall) Vitamin C, 2,000 mg beta-carotene or carrots Vitamin E Magnesium, molybdenum, calcium, zinc, manganese, and selenium One daily One daily 15 mgm, or one carrot daily 400 IU daily Dietary sources The elderly In addition to natural foods, vitamin C, zinc, B6, other vitamins, chromium, omega 3 fish oils, and copper-free drinking water, senior citizens have special needs.

Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts

But you need to talk to your doctor if you're taking this much beta-carotene. Get C and E on Your Side Similar to vitamin A, vitamin C kicks your immune system into high gear, strengthening your body's ability to fight off the infection. Vitamin C helps reduce the inflammation and strengthens capillary walls and mucous membranes lining your vagina so they can ward off infection, says Dr. Jeanne. "Make sure the vitamin C you take contains bioflavonoids or rose hips," she says.

Although you should also check with your doctor before taking this high daily dose, beta-carotene doesn't pose the same risks as vitamin A. Vitamin E also protects your white blood cells from invading viruses and strengthens other aspects of your immune system. It can help speed the healing of the lesions as well, says Dr. Kowalsky. She recommends taking 400 IU a day during an outbreak and continuing after the symptoms are alleviated. The Lysine-Arginine Connection Research shows that a diet high in lysine and low in arginine can prevent the herpesvirus from surfacing.

The Omega Solution: Unleash the Amazing, Scientifically Based Healing Power of Omega-3 & -6 Fatty Acids Jonathan Goodman ND See book keywords and concepts

Lyprinol contains fatty acids, sterols (plant steroids), and carotenoids such as beta-carotene. The chief fatty acid in Lyprinol is eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), an omega-3 fatty acid that the body uses to make EPA. Research suggests that ETA may act very powerfully by interfering with arachidonic acid, which is a key step in reducing symptoms of RA. Researchers in Australia recently studied the benefits of several commonly used arthritis remedies. The study involved measuring arthritis "parameters" in laboratory animals in order to determine how effective the different treatments were.

The Okinawa Program : How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki See book keywords and concepts

Another case in point is the former superstar vitamin beta-carotene, which has now been shown, in two well-conducted studies, to increase lung cancer rates in smokers.48 Even drinking too much water can be toxic to the body: your blood sodium can drop, which can lead to swelling of the brain cells and a seizure, although it would take an enormous amount of water to bring that about, so we need not worry too much about it.

The Longevity Code: Your Personal Prescription for a Longer, Sweeter Life Zorba Paster, M.D. and Susan Meltsner See book keywords and concepts

There's some indication that taking in too little vitamin C, folic acid, and beta-carotene raises cervical cancer risk. 22. Screen for Colon and Rectal Cancer Impact ???? Rarely seen earlier this century, colon and rectal cancer is now the second most common form of cancer in the United States. One in seventeen Americans can expect to get it at some point in their lives. And the older you get, the more vulnerable you are. Each year, close to 120,000 new cases are diagnosed in this country.

In fact, one study showed higher lung cancer rates for smokers who took beta-carotene than for smokers who did not. A sensible dosage would be 6 to 15 mg a day. But at this point your best bet may be to stick with dietary sources. • Selenium. Selenium, found in meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables grown in soil that contains large concentrations of this mineral, fires up our immune system and may protect against lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. When taken with vitamin E, selenium enhances the antioxidant effects of that vitamin. However, dosage can be a problem.

All are high in beta-carotene, which strengthens our immune systems. Broccoli has also beer credited with lowering the risk of heart attacks, asthma, and osteoporosis. In addition: • Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, instrumental in bringing about a 40 percent reduction in prostate, lung, and stomach cancer risk. • Spinach is full of folate, or folic acid, which fights cancer, birth defects, heart disease, and mental disorders. It may even have a positive effect on Alzheimer's. • The equivalent of half a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries may slow or reverse memory failure.

The Okinawa Program : How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki See book keywords and concepts

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid (same family as beta-carotene) that has been found in tomato products, and has been strongly associated with reduced risk for prostate cancer.54 We are betting that the imo, with its reddish-purple pigmentation, may, like the tomato, be a potent source of lycopene, and our research group is currently investigating this possibility. Usage. Use imo or sweet potatoes as a frequent side dish or mix them into other dishes. Purple potatoes have a similar pigment to imo and provide a good substitute in many dishes.

They contain several components that can inhibit the cancer process: flavonoids (plant hormone blockers), carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene and lycopene, found in tomatoes, watermelon, and probably Okinawan sweet potatoes), vitamin E, and other unidentified antioxidants and hormone blockers. We conducted a study to look at Okinawan eating habits and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels—a marker for prostate cancer risk. Total fat, saturated fat, and alcohol stood out as risk factors while protective trends were seen for those who ate the most soy foods.

Lycopene, a carotenoid that is in the same family as beta-carotene, has received a lot of attention since a Harvard study53 showed that it might protect against prostate cancer. Again, the mechanism is unknown, but its ability to block testosterone and/or its antioxidant effect may be partially responsible. Lycopene is thought to be a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E, which also appears to decrease prostate cancer risk and seems to penetrate the prostate well, as evidenced by its presence in tissue samples from autopsy studies of the prostate.

The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care Michael Janson, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

For basic preventive medicine, free-radical protection, and health enhancement I recommend: Vitamin A (& beta-carotene)........................ 25,000 IU Vitamin C.......................................................4,000 mg Vitamin D..........................................................400 IU Vitamin E..........................................................400 IU Thiamin (B1).....................................................100 mg Riboflavin (B2)....................................................50 mg Niacin (& niacinamide; B3)...............................

The Okinawa Program : How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki See book keywords and concepts

Lycopene is a carotenoid, like beta-carotene but much more potent. Cooked tomatoes appear to be more cancer-protective than fresh, especially if cooked in oil (lycopene is fat-soluble so it needs oil for absorption). Definitely add tomatoes to your shopping list. There was a time—not long ago—when doctors were reluctant to acknowledge that herbs or foods might offer specific health benefits. That time is over because we now have scientific studies to support the use of specific foods and herbs in the healing process.

The Longevity Code: Your Personal Prescription for a Longer, Sweeter Life Zorba Paster, M.D. and Susan Meltsner See book keywords and concepts

Sphere: Physical Page: 000 Action rating: Easy Booster 35: Take Advantage of Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, Selenium Impact *** Amplifiers Poor eating habits; severely restricted diets; smoking; heavy drinking; getting older; having chronic medical problems (especially digestive disorders) Antioxidants may not live up to their advance billing as the answer to aging. But their impact on conditions that seem to come with the territory of getting older makes them worth considering for your inclusion in your personal longevity prescription.

The Politics of Cancer Revisited Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

The Nutrition research category includes support for activities related to the retinoid skin cancer trial as well as a beta-carotene skin cancer trial in albinos, a computer-based dietary intervention program for worksites, and general support for nutrition-related activities. Total in-house costs were $292,000.

The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Mark Bricklin See book keywords and concepts

Because some scientists suspect that beta-carotene, but not necessarily animal-source vitamin A, is the true protective factor against lung cancer, one recent major study of lung cancer risk paid special attention to this distinction. Over a period of 19 years, a research team headed by Richard B. Shekelle, M.D., of the Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, monitored the dietary habits of nearly 2,000 middle-aged men employed at the Western Electric Company in the Chicago area. Then they sorted out the links between the workers' dietary patterns and cancer.

Eat more foods high in beta-carotene (the vegetal form of vitamin A). Carotene, which occurs as a pigment, makes its presence obvious in carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, sweet red peppers and tomatoes. In dark green leafy things, it's not so obvious. And a few things that look as if they ought to have lots of vitamin A—red apples and pomegranates, for instance—actually don't. 15. Eat more foods high in vitamin C: citrus fruits, melons, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower. If you have a hard time getting fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes are also a good source of C.

The scientists, who were paying special attention to nutrients thought to protect against cervical cancer, discovered a striking difference with regard to beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, and vitamin C: The healthy women consumed significantly more of both nutrients. When risk factors for cervical cancer (low income, early sexual intercourse, frequent intercourse, etc.) were taken into account, "there was still a significant difference between the two groups in vitamin C intake." Nearly 1 of every 4 women with abnormal Pap smears consumed less than 60 milligrams of vitamin C daily.

By now, you are probably wondering exactly which plants are rich in beta-carotene, so we'll tell you: The very best sources are carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, spinach, kale, broccoli and sweet red peppers. Apricots, peaches, oranges and tomatoes are also good sources. It's possible that vitamin A protects against more than just lung cancer. A ten-year study of over 100,000 Japanese men aged 40 and over revealed a substantially lower death rate from prostate cancer among men who ate green and yellow vegetables each day (ICRDB CancerGram, January, 1979).

For vitamin A, beta-carotene supplements, probably in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 I.U. per day. For vitamin C, 500 milligrams a day or so, taken with each meal, would be appropriate. For selenium, 100 to 200 micrograms a day—no more. Vitamin E, 100 to 400 I.U. a day. Canker and Cold Sores When little fever blisters, cold sores or canker sores flare up in and around the mouth, they stir up a kind of misery in their suffering victims out of all proportion to their diminutive size.

Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs John Heinerman See book keywords and concepts

Then the November 13, 1986 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine linked the beta-carotene in dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and collards with reducing the risks of getting lung cancer. Based on such scientific evidence as this, it seems advisable to include this simple vegetable in our diets more often. Anti-Diabetes Drink For those with either diabetes mellitus (adults) or juvenile onset diabetes (young people), there is some nutritional benefit to be expected from spinach, since it contains manganese—a trace element important to those who are diabetics.

The Okinawa Program : How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki See book keywords and concepts

Like most yellow-orange fruits, papayas are high in vitamin C and natural beta-carotene (the plant form of vitamin A), and are thought to be an excellent digestive aid.8° This delicious fruit can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. Add it to chicken or fish and the food will take on a sweet tropical flavor. Medicinally, topical ointments rich in papain (an enzyme contained in papaya) are often used to promote the shedding of dead skin, such as wrinkled skin around the eyes. The jury is out as to whether this works or not, but it certainly can't hurt. We consider papaya an overall winner. Parsley.

The Memory Solution Dr. Julian Whitaker See book keywords and concepts

The strongest associations were with thiamin (vitamin B-^, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and iron. beta-carotene, vitamin C, and zinc levels were also predictive of performance on mental function tests. A larger, longer term study carried out at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine followed 137 people between age sixty-six and ninety for six years. The participants in this study were educated, well nourished, and had no memory problems. Their vitamin status was determined at the beginning of the study and again after six years.

Stopping the Clock: Longevity for the New Millenium Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman See book keywords and concepts

Some people with hypothyroidism may evidence a slight yellowish tinge on their skins, revealing that the beta-carotene they're consuming—in food sources or in daily supplements—is remaining unconverted within their systems. On the other hand, a body with a low level of vitamin A can't produce TSH. Studies by Dr. Isobel Jennings on cattle and sheep revealed that the basophils of the pituitary gland—the actual cells where TSH is produced—degenerate with insufficient According to studies by Dr.

The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care Michael Janson, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Also, the body produces vitamin A from beta-carotene, which is (incorrectly) called a provitamin. Some substances are not exactly vitamins, but they are like vitamins because they are part of other nutrients, such as para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), choline and inositol. I have been taking dietary supplements for 25 years. I take a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, flavonoids and herbs. I usually take large doses of the most protective nutrients—I will tell you more about what I take later. You, too, can be a part of this health revolution.

The synthetic beta-carotene is possibly not as effective as natural mixed carotenes. I suggest 25,000 IU in addition to the 15,000 IU that is in Basic Multiple, and extra for cancer patients. For people exposed to carcinogens or tobacco smoke, I recommend only natural sources to avoid the un-proven but possible adverse interactions with the synthetic. Vitamin E Natural vitamin E (as i-alpha tocopherol plus the mixed tocopherols—beta, gamma and delta) is a good biological antioxidant, protecting you from the ravages of free-radical pathology, heart disease, cancer, and aging.

The Diabetes Cure : A Natural Plan That Can Slow, Stop, Even Cure Type 2 Diabetes Dr. Vern Cherewatenko and Paul Perry See book keywords and concepts

Through its antioxidant action, beta-carotene protects cells from free radical damage. RDAs: Men—6,000 micrograms. Women—4,800 micrograms. Thiamin—energy vitamin. Essential for people with diabetes, who may experience nerve damage as a complication for their disease. Thiamin acts as a coenzyme to get energy from carbohydrates, protein, and fat; it also converts excess carbohydrates to fat and is essential for initiation of nerve impulses. Good sources include yeast, lean pork, organ meat, legumes, seeds, nuts, and unrefined cereal. RDAs: Men, nineteen to fifty—1.5 milligrams.

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