Beta carotene

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Attaining Medical Self Sufficiency Duncan Long See book keywords and concepts

Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDA) of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene and can be reached only by taking supplements.) ( Damage Control 1 It appears that free radicals alter and damage the genetic makeup of cells, predisposing them to become cancerous cells that multiply into tumors and other growths. While the human body normally hunts down and destroy these cells, minimizing its work will enhance its ability to destroy any cells that appear and reserve NK cells that may be needed for other immunological defenses.

The Food Pharmacy: Dramatic New Evidence That Food Is Your Best Medicine Jean Carper See book keywords and concepts

The protease inhibitors also put the kibosh on disease-producing viruses. And beta carotene in laboratory animals is potent in preventing nonmelanoma skin cancers. Perhaps most exciting, Japanese investigators in 1984 discovered that the sweet potato has "markedly strong antioxidative activity." This makes it a potential antagonist of those scurrilous "free radicals" that ravage bodily cells, creating all kinds of disorders, including cancer and perhaps aging. The scientists attributed the antioxidant activity of sweet potato extract to a collection of polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acid.

But the high levels of beta carotene could turn your skin slightly yellow or tan. The skin colorization disappears with no long-term toxic effects once you stop the sweet-potato (or carrot-squash) binge. YOGURT (Also known as kefir, kourmiss, yakult, yahourt, leben, acidophilus milk) POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS ¦ Kills bacteria ¦ Prevents and treats intestinal infections, including diarrhea ¦ Lowers blood cholesterol • Boosts immune system • Improves bowel functioning ¦ Contains compounds that prevent ulcers ¦ Has anticancer activity How Much?

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

Effects of a combination of beta carotene and vitamin A on lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. N Engl J Med 1996; 334: 1150-55. 5. Wang, X-D, Liu C, Bronson RT, et al. Retinoid signaling and activator protein-1 expression in ferrets given S-carotene supplements and exposed to tobacco smoke. / Natl Cancer Inst 1999; 91: 60-6. 6. You C-S, Parker RS, Goodman KJ, et al. Evidence of cis-trans isomer-ization of 9-cis-beta-carotene during absorption in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1996; 64: 177-83. 7. Tamai H, Morinobu T, Murata T, et al.

Eat and Heal (Foods That Can Prevent or Cure Many Common Ailments) the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

Eating dried apricots as a snack can punch up your levels of iron, potassium, beta carotene, magnesium, and copper. These important nutrients help control your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Plus, as few as five dried apricots can give you up to 3 grams of fiber, which sweeps cholesterol out of your system before it has a chance to clog your arteries. Chases away cataracts. What you eat can affect your vision. Dr. Robert G. Cumming, the lead researcher for the Blue Mountains Eye Study, says, "Our study confirms the importance of vitamin A for cataract prevention.

The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

In this study, patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were pretreated with low-dose, oral beta carotene to determine whether the carotenoid content of plaque could be increased in vivo. Beta-carotene-treated patients had a 50-fold increase in their plaque beta-carotene level and the plaque from beta-carotene-treated patients had higher carotenoid levels and higher absorption compared with controls.

Influence of beta carotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C on Endogenous Antioxidant Defenses in Erythrocytes," Ann Pharmacother, 27(11), November 1993, p. 1349-1350. This study examined the carbon centered and hydrogen radicals in the skeletal muscle of rats receiving supplemental vitamin E. Results showed that vitamin E quenched such free radicals directly. —M. Hiramatsu, et al., "Decreased Carbon Centered and Hydrogen Radicals in Skeletal Muscle of Vitamin E Supplemented Rats," Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 179(2), September 16, 1991, p. 859-864.

Increase of Singlet Oxygen Protection of Erythrocytes by Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and beta carotene Intakes," Biochem Mol Biol Int, 35(2), February, 1995, p. 371-374. Dietary ascorbic acid intake and serum lipid concentration intake was studied in the aged (65 and older). Significant positive correlations were found between dietary ascorbic acid and HDLC, the intake of carbohydrates and protein and total fat. Significant negative correlations were found between dietary ascorbic acid and LDLC and LDLC/HDLC.

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Other studies have revealed that alpha carotene, beta carotene, and lycopene, among others, are potent free radical scavengers and cancer fighters. Another new study suggests that cryptoxanthin may be depleted by smoking. Scientists compared the blood levels of vitamin E and carotenoids in men who chewed or smoked tobacco with blood levels in those who abstained from tobacco products.

The People's Guide to Deadly Drug Interactions Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon See book keywords and concepts

In studies on baboons, the combination of alcohol and beta carotene led to more liver damage than that produced by alcohol exposure alone. This work needs to be confirmed with further research on humans. See page 144 for further details. Cephalosporin Antibiotics Some of these high-powered antibiotics for injection can Cefobid trigger an Antabuse-like reaction. Cefobid, Cefotan, Cefotan Mandol, and Moxam are all reported to cause flushing, Mandol wheezing and breathing difficulties, nausea and Moxam vomiting, sweating, and rapid heart beat after alcohol ingestion.

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In fact, researchers now believe that lycopene is a more potent antioxidant than beta carotene and also a powerful anticancer agent. For example, you may recall an intriguing study that showed that men who ate the most pizza had much lower rates of prostate cancer than those who did not. What you may not know, however, is that the reduced risk of prostate cancer is believed to be due to the lycopene-rich tomato sauce. Since that ground-breaking study, researchers have tested lycopene on human and animal cancer cells, and the results have been very promising.

The A.D.D. Nutrition Solution: A Drug-Free Thirty-Day Plan Marcia Zimmerman, C.N. See book keywords and concepts

This recipe provides omega-6 and omega-3 oils, some vitamin E, natural vitamin A from the butter, beta carotene, fewer saturated fats, and no hydrogenated fats! Although butter is made from milk, it is less likely than milk to cause allergic reactions because it does not contain milk protein. Here is the recipe for it.

Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Hundreds of NEW Natural Products that Will Help You Live Longer, Look Better, Stay Heathier, ... and Much More! Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

In fact, lutein had long been ignored, because unlike more famous carotenoids such as beta carotene, it did not convert to vitamin A in the body and was therefore considered useless. We now know that lutein is an antioxidant; some researchers speculate that it may deactivate dangerous free radicals caused by harmful ultraviolet rays, and thereby protect the eyes from oxidative damage. Fortunately, there are now dozens of lutein products to choose from, including numerous combination formulas especially designed to improve vision.

Healing Pets With Nature's Miracle Cures Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A. See book keywords and concepts

Certain carotenoids are precursors to vitamin A and can be metabolically converted (except in cats) into vitamin A in the body. beta carotene has the highest potential vitamin A activity; other provitamin A carotenoids include alpha-carotene and cryptoxanthin. As mentioned previously, carotenoids are effective quenchers of singlet oxygen (free radicals). Lycopene exhibits the highest free radical quenching activity.42 Boosting the Immune System Carotenoids have demonstrated a number of immune-enhancing effects in recent studies.

Eat and Heal (Foods That Can Prevent or Cure Many Common Ailments) the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

Peppers, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, and broccoli give you vitamin C, while carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mangoes, and collard greens are full of beta carotene. Sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. While you munch on those fruits and vegetables, you'll get the added benefit of antioxidant substances called flavonoids. Resvera-trol in grapes, anthocyanins in cranberry juice, and quercetin in onions, apples, and tea are some of the flavonoids that help your heart and arteries. Monounsaturated fat.

Breast Cancer? Breath Health! The Wise Woman Way Susun S. Weed See book keywords and concepts

Turmeric shows greater antioxidant abilities than vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta carotene. It is also strongly liver-protective and antimutagenic, making it a wonderful ally for women who choose chemotherapy or tamoxifen. Best way to use it? As a seasoning in food. Make your own anti-recurrence curry powder: Mix together freshly ground dried tumeric, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, celery seed, and cinnamon. Use liberally to season rice, vegetables, and soups. ic Prevent weight gain to prevent recurrence.

Eat and Heal (Foods That Can Prevent or Cure Many Common Ailments) the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

Since apricots are a good source of beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, and several other nutrients, they could be just what you're looking for. Adds to a long life. Believe it or not, some people claim apricots are the secret to living to age 120. They get this idea from the Hun-zas, a tribe living in the Himalayan Mountains of Asia. Common health problems, like cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, do not exist in Hunza. And researchers are wondering if apricots, a main part of their diet, are partly responsible.

The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Dietary Vitamin A, beta carotene and Risk of Epidermoid Lung Cancer in Southwestern France," European Journal of Epidemiology, 6(3), September 1990, p. 261-265. Results of this study showed that mice supplemented with 5 or 10 mg of vitamin A-palmitate twice a week either topically or orally for 3 months lead to a reduction in tumors induced from black pepper extract. —M.H. Shwaireb, et al., "Carcinogenesis Induced by Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and Modulated by Vitamin A," Exp Pathol, 40(4), 1990, p. 233-238.

Eat and Heal (Foods That Can Prevent or Cure Many Common Ailments) the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

The apricot is a fantastic fruit — loaded with beta carotene, iron, fiber, vitamin C, and several B vitamins. If you dry an apricot, its nutrients get more concentrated, making dried apricots a great snack. Whether fresh or dried, eating apricots will help you fight the effects of aging, protect your eyesight, ward off cancer, and prevent heart disease. 4 ways apricots keep you healthy Combats cancer. If you get indigestion from eating tomato products — the prime source of lycopene — here's great news for you.

Food Your Miracle Medicine Jean Carper See book keywords and concepts

Also rich in antioxidant vitamin C and beta carotene. Specifically tied to lower rates of pancreatic cancer. Orange juice protected mice sperm from radiation damage. Because of its high vitamin C, oranges may help ward off asthma attacks, bronchitis, breast cancer, stomach cancer, atherosclerosis, gum disease, and boost fertility and healthy sperm in some men. Oranges and orange juice may aggravate heartburn. Parsley. Anticancer because of its high concentrations of antioxidants, such as monoterpenes, phthalides, polyacetylenes.

Abundant in numerous strong, well-known antioxidants, including quercetin, glutathione, beta carotene, indoles, vitamin C, lutein, glucarate, sulforaphane. Extremely high anticancer activity, particularly against lung, colon and breast cancers. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it speeds up removal of estrogen from the body, helping suppress breast cancer. Rich in cholesterol-reducing fiber. Has antiviral, anti-ulcer activity. A super source of chromium that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

Frei notes, molecules of LDL cholesterol contain, in addition to fats and proteins, natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta carotene. Eating more of these antioxidant nutrients might further fortify the LDL molecules to fight off the oxidizing attackers that corrupt and render the LDL cholesterol so dangerous to arteries. Foods That Can Lower Bad LDL Cholesterol Almond, apple, avocado, barley, dried beans, carrot, garlic, grapefruit pulp, oats, olive oil, rice bran, shiitake mushrooms, soybeans, walnuts.

Vitamin E, unlike vitamin C and beta carotene, is fat soluble and thus can help protect fat molecules against disease-fostering oxidative damage. For example, vitamin E is a mighty enemy of oxygen free radical chain reactions that can rip through cells, oxidizing their membranes. The presence of vitamin E can stop this catastrophic chain reaction. "Vitamin E is like a litde fire extinguisher in a cell's membrane," says Joe McCord, an antioxidant expert at the University of Colorado.

Some consider lycopene a stronger antioxidant than beta carotene. Major Food Sources of Lycopene. The most widely eaten highly concentrated source is tomatoes, although watermelon is richer in lycopene on a weight basis. Tomatoes have 3.1 grams of lycopene per 100 grams; watermelon has 4.1 grams. Lycopene is the stuff that gives them their red color. Small amounts are also present in apricots. Lycopene is not responsible for the color of red berries. NOTE: Lycopene is not destroyed by cooking or canning. Stewed tomatoes have just as much lycopene as raw tomatoes, USDA tests show. Quercetin.

NOTE: beta carotene is not destroyed by cooking, according to USDA tests. Glutathione. Glutathione is an important anti-cancer agent. Dean P. Jones, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry at Emory University School of Medicine, says glutathione can deactivate at least thirty cancer-causing substances! The compound prevents lipid peroxidation and acts as an enzyme to deactivate free radicals. Thus it offers potential protection against heart disease, cataracts and asthma, as well as cancer and other diseases linked to free-radical damage.

Healing Pets With Nature's Miracle Cures Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A. See book keywords and concepts

It is important to remember that cats must have preformed vitamin A, because they are unable to convert beta carotene to vitamin A. Natural fatty acids, including the omega-3 group, also protect mucous membranes. Increased dietary ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids (flax seed, fish oil) reduces the risk of developing childhood asthma and reduces current asthmatic symptoms including airway hyperresponsiveness.5 On the other hand, ingesting high amounts of refined and altered vegetable oils (omega-6 group) can increase the severity of asthma.

Based on current research data, increased intake of a mixture of natural carotenoids, rather than beta carotene alone, may be a greater benefit in disease prevention and treatment. Vitamin D The term vitamin D covers a number of related compounds that have activity associated with vitamin D. The two most important are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecarciferol). Biochemical conversion of vitamin D occurs in the liver, kidney, and skin to produce physiologically active forms of the vitamin. It is best known for its ability to stimulate the absorption of calcium.

Physicians and their patients are watching the current number of studies on antioxidants (fractions of vitamin complexes) such as beta carotene, ascorbic acid (fractionated vitamin C), and alpha-tocopheral (fractionated vitamin E) in the prevention of degenerative diseases. The results have been conflicting. However, the most important message is that chemically synthesized supplements are no substitute for real food complexes. Foods contain an intricate, interconnected network of components of known and unknown nutrients, which work together for the effectiveness or formation of the body.

Eat and Heal (Foods That Can Prevent or Cure Many Common Ailments) the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing See book keywords and concepts

Many fruits and vegetables contain the big three — vitamin C, E, and beta carotene. Then again, some come armed to the teeth with even more antioxidants like flavonoids. These compounds give color, flavor, and taste to plants. Your best bet is to load your plate with these seven super sources. þ Cruciferous vegetables. Also known as brassicas, this food group includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, kohlrabi, rutabaga, turnips, and brussels sprouts. They're famous for containing phytochemicals with long names like isothiocyanates, indoles, and glucosinolates.

The Origin Diet: How Eating Like Our Stone Age Ancestors Will Maximize Your Health Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. See book keywords and concepts

The fact that our bodies have thrived on pounds of nutrient-packed produce for hundreds of thousands of years explains why plant-derived nutrients, such as beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and the B vitamins, are nontoxic even at high doses, while some nutrients typically consumed in meat and milk, such as vitamin A (in liver) and vitamin D (in fortified milk), can accumulate to toxic levels when consumed in excess.

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