Jean Carper
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 Although the chemical family called carotene, or carotenoids, derives its name from carrots, it is the primary pigment of all deep-orange and deep-green vegetables. (Green chlorophyll covers up the orange or red hue.)
71
It is a synthetic carotenoid, beta carotene—naturally abundant in carrots—that scientists funded by the National Cancer Institute have handed out in capsules to select groups in the hope of blocking cancer. How did that happen? Because originally somebody noticed that people who eat carrots and other foods rich in carotenoids have less cancer. |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Beta carotene deficiency may play a role in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer.
P. Palan et at, "B-Carotene Levels in Exfoliated Cervicov-aginal Epithelial Cells and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Cervical Cancer," American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology^!, no. 6 (December 1992): 1899-1903.
Lower intake of lycopene appears to be associated with the presence of cervical dysplasia.
R. S. McPherson, "Nutritional Factors and the Risk of Cervical Dysplasia," Dissertation Abstracts International 51, no. 4 (1990): 1769. |
Jean Carper
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| You get two to five times more carotene from cooked carrots than from raw ones. But don't overdo it; carrots cooked to mushy lose much of their precious beta carotene.
¦ Do not eat carrots in the mistaken assumption that they will allow you to continue smoking. Carrots are not a substitute for quitting smoking; they cannot offset the continued assaults from cigarette smoke. Whereas carrots may cut your risk in half, smoking boosts it ten times as much.
¦ Ex-smokers, especially recent quitters, should eat carrots regularly to possibly stave off smoking-related cancers down the road. |
| However, the tomato is distinguished for its concentration of another type of carotene called lycopene—which means that maybe beta carotene is not the only cancer protector among the carotenoid family.
In a large population study in Wales tomatoes also ranked high as a protector against acute appendicitis.
MYTHS AND CAUTIONS
¦ Modern folklore blames the tomato for aggravating arthritis because it is a member of the "poisonous nightshade" family, but there is no substantial evidence or logical explanation for it. The tomato is commonly incriminated in food allergies. |
Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, Assembly of Life Sciences National Research Council
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 After 19 years of followup, they found a significant inverse association between lung cancer incidence and the intake of carotene, after adjustment for cigarette smoking. In contrast, lung cancer was not significantly associated with the intake of preformed vitamin A.
In summary, there is evidence that low dietary levels of foods containing vitamin A and/or vitamin A precursors (e.g., 3-carotene) are associated with increased risk of lung cancer, especially among heavy smokers. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 The best food sources of alpha carotene are cooked carrot and pumpkin.
Alpha carotene is sold alone, included in mixed carotenoid supplements, and included in antioxidant formulas.
Possible Benefits
Works as a natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Shows strong anticancer activity.
The Right Amount
Take 3-6 mg. of mixed carotenoids daily. Personal Advice
The fruits and vegetables that are commonly eaten in the United States provide about 20 different carotenoids, but Americans often do not get enough carotenoids from diet alone. |
H. Winter Griffith, M.D.
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 Neomycin
Decreased absorption of beta carotene.
ISrSI possible interaction |yJU| with other substances
INTERACTS WITH
COMBINED EFFECT
Alcohol:
None expected.
Beverages:
None expected.
Cocaine:
None expected.
Foods:
None expected.
Marijuana:
None expected.
Tobacco:
None expected. generic and brand names
See complete list of generic and brand names in the Generic and Brand Name Directory, page 880. basic information_
Habit forming? No Prescription needed? Yes Available as generic? Yes, for some. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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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. |
H. Winter Griffith, M.D.
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| Beta carotene form decreases severity of sun exposure in patients with porphyria.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
• Drops or capsule—Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid or food.
• Oral solution—Swallow with liquid.
• Tablet—Swallow with liquid.
When to take:
At the same time each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember, then resume regular schedule.
What drug does:
• Prevents night blindness.
• Promotes normal growth and health. |
| Don't take if:
You are hypersensitive to beta carotene.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
• If you have liver or kidney disease.
• If you have hypervitaminosis*.
Over age 60:
No problems expected.
Pregnancy:
Consult doctor. Risk category C (see page xviii).
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected.
Infants & children:
No problems expected.
Prolonged use:
No problems expected.
Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No special problems expected.
Discontinuing:
No special problems expected. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
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 Regular beta-carotene is not as effective as Beta-Plex, a full-spectrum carotene supplement taken from natural food sources. It contains high amounts of lycopene in synergy with other natural carotenoids. Tom's instructions were to mix 1 tablespoon freshly ground flaxseeds with 1 to 6 ounces organic yogurt and 5 drops of Beta-Plex.
Three months later, Tom had made many positive changes in his life; he was more relaxed and feeling very good. His PSA had dropped into the normal range, and he decided not to have surgery or radiation—at least for the moment. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
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 Sterols include
Glucose— 0
Taraxacolide-B-D-glucoside
Taraxinic acid-B-D-glucoside
Taraxasterol: R = H v|/-Taraxasterol: R = H
Arnidiol : R = OH Faradiol: R = OH sitosterol and stigmasterol; carotene and xanthophylls. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
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| One type contains no oxygen and has provitamin A abilities, which means that it can remain in the body as carotene but can be converted into vitamin A upon demand. Examples of this type of carotenoid, such as beta-carotene and the recently popular lycopene found abundantly in tomatoes, are typically orange/red in color.
The other type of carotenoid, called xanthophyll, has no provitamin A conversion abilities. Xanthophyll-rich carotenoids are primarily yellow in color and include many flowers, such as calendula, as well as the spice saffron. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 An overview of her therapy is outlined below:
Diagnosis
Systemic Treatment
Beta carotene Vitamin C Folic acid
Immunity-enhancing herbal formulation
Local Treatment
Vitamin A suppositories Herbal suppositories
Constitutional Treatment
Dietary changes Use of condoms Avoidance of smoking
A diet that optimizes immunity is low in fat and high in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Immune-system inhibitors such as coffee, sugar, alcohol, and fat are omitted. |
| When C is combined with vitamins A and E, as well as riboflavin and beta carotene, there is a lowered risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
•Vitamin E...400 to 800 IU per day, taken at the largest meal. Vitamin E is best in its natural form (as a mixed tocopherol or d-alpha tocopherol). Avoid synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha).
•Selenium... 100 meg per meal. Selenium is needed to produce glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that protects the body from free radical damage. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 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. |
| Guslandi, "Vitamin A, Retinol, carotene, and Cancer Prevention," British Medical
Journal, 281(6251), 1980, p. 1352.
Results of this 12-14 year study of a population of approximately 3000 in one Georgia county found an inverse relationship between serum retinol levels and the risk of cancer.
—J.D. Kark, et al., "Serum Retinol and the Inverse Relationship Between Serum Cholesterol and Cancer," British Medical Journal, 284(6310), January 16, 1982, p. 152-154.
This case-control study examined the relationship between serum selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E levels and cancer mortality risk. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| These include vitamin A, beta carotene, bioflavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and NADH.
Herbs important to an antiaging protocol include fo-ti-tieng, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and gotu kola.
Essential oils may alleviate common conditions associated with aging, including insomnia, indigestion, arthritis, and memory loss.
Stress reduction is essential to slowing down the aging process, and preventing degenerative disease. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Dietary Beta carotene and Lung Cancer Risk in U.S. Nonsmokers," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 86(1), January 5, 1994, p. 33-38.
This study examined the effects of vitamin A on tumor establishment, growth and metastasis in rats with N-2-fluorenylacetamide-induced solid tumors. Results found that tumor growth was similar in both rats fed both deficient and adequate levels of vitamin A when supplementation was started at the same time as carcinogen exposure. |
Michael Tierra
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 The root contains choline, histamine, tyramine, saponins, chelidoniol, chelidonic acid, carotene and vitamin C.
Properties: Alterative, diuretic, purgative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, anodyne, narcotic
Dose: The dried herb is used in infusion of one-half ounce to a pint of boiling water. The tincture and fluid extract is best made from the fresh plant and 5-10 drops are taken as a single dose three times daily. Some mild side effects include dry mouth and occasional dizziness. |
| The plant's anticancer properties are enhanced by the presence of active carotene (richest in the blossoms) and vitamin E.
PORIA COCOS
Poria cocos has a neutral energy and bland flavor. It contains beta-pachyman (93% of the weight of poria), choline, adenine, and other constituents. It has been found to inhibit mice sarcoma-180 at an effective rate of 96.88%.* It increases phagocytosis and promotes the formation of immunoglobulin. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| The action of vitamin C and bioflavonoids is further enhanced by the addition of other antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin E, beta carotene, and selenium.
•Vitamin E...Among its many benefits, vitamin E strengthens the endocrine system, and by so doing, indirectly builds immunity. Vitamin E is especially important for women with allergies who are experiencing hormonal imbalances. A good natural source of E is soybean oil, which supplies the body with an unestrofied d-alpha tocopherol. |
| How can foods minimize wrinkling? Beta carotene, from carrots and other yellow/orange vegetables, enters the cell's outer membrane, and provides some protection against sun damage. This nutrient's cousin, lycopene, is twice as powerful. Lycopene is what gives the watermelon, tomato, and pink grapefruit their red color. According to studies, lycopene also enters the outer membrane of skin cells, and provides protection from ultraviolet damage while it is there.
•Green Foods...Greens are rich in chlorophyll, the ultimate blood purifier. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Beta carotene and ascorbic acid were shown to persistently protect against colorectal cancer in this case-controlled study of 828 patients with colon cancer and 498 patients with rectal cancer in Northern Italy.
—M. Ferraroni, et al., "Selected Micronutrient Intake and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer," British Journal of Cancer, 70(6), December 1994, p. 1150-1155.
Vitamin C supplement use was shown to be inversely related to bladder and colon cancer in women in an 8 year follow-up study beginning in 1981 of 11,580 residents of a retirement community initially free from cancer.
—A. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Carrot juice is high in antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. In addition, it is filled with health-giving minerals and antiaging enzymes. One caveat on carrot juice: Since it is high in natural sugar, this juice should be diluted with water, especially when there is a blood sugar imbalance.
•Celery...This one is moderately high in sodium, not the bad-for-you salt shaker kind, but the good, natural kind that promotes good cell chemistry.
•Melon... Melon juices are wonderful kidney cleansers. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Evidence is also discussed with respect to the protective effects of vitamin A and carotene in cancer at other sites.
—A.H. Smith, "Relationship Between Vitamin A and Lung Cancer," National Cancer Institute Monograph, 62(62), 1982, p. 165-166.
Results of this study found that vitamin A levels in liver samples obtained in autopsy of cancer patients were significantly lower than controls, suggesting a true vitamin A deficiency in cancer patients.
—J. Ostrowski, et al., "Liver Vitamin A Concentration in Patients Who Died of Cancer,"
Neoplasma, 36(3), 1989, p. 353-355. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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 VITAMIN AND MINERAL GOLD MINES
Fruits and vegetables are the most nutrient-dense foods in the diet, so it's no wonder our bodies evolved on diets containing three times more vitamin B2, two times more folic acid, eight times more vitamin C (up to 600 milligrams daily), and twice as much (about 10,000 IU) of beta carotene daily compared to modern diets. The abundance of dark green leafy vegetables in our ancestors' diets also accounts for their high calcium intake, estimated at about 1,900 milligrams daily, according to Dr. Eaton. |
| 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. |
Francois Couplan, Ph.D.
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 They contain an essential oil (rich in carotene), saponin, resin, a bitter principle, some salicylic acid and a relatively high phosphorus content.
The plant is emmenagogue, hypotensive, depurative, diaphoretic and chola-gogue. It is an excellent vulnerary, known since Antiquity. Its physiological action can be compared with that of Arnica or Hamamelis.
C. arvensis - naturalized in Calif. - has the same edible and medicinal virtues and uses as the pot marigold.
Carduus (C 2-3) Thistle Latin name of the plant. Throughout. Introduced from Eurasia. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 Antioxidant activity
The carotene molecules of cayenne pepper and paprika exert powerful antioxidant effects.
Cardiovascular effects
Cayenne pepper exerts a number of benefical effects on the cardiovascular system. In addition to possessing excellent antioxidant compounds, studies have shown that cayenne pepper reduces the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis by reducing blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels; in addition, it reduces platelet aggregation and increases fibrinolytic activity.2-4 (For the significance of these effects, see Chapter 11—Garlic. |
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