the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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 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. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 Dietary Supplements
To help shrink fibroids, try taking the following supplements once daily for 3 to 4 months:
þ Vitamin C: 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams
þ Beta carotene: 150,000 IU
þ Selenium: 400 micrograms
þ Zinc: 30 milligrams
Poke Root (Phytolacca americana)
When fibroids cause tenderness in the lower abdomen, topical application of poke root oil can help. Rub the oil on the area twice a day, morning and evening, as long as discomfort persists. Caution: If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use. Do not take this herb internally,- it is highly toxic even in small doses. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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 Beta carotene (mg)
5.56
2.00-2.57
Vitamin E (mg)
32.8
8-10
7-10
Vitamin Bj (mg)
3.91
1.1-1.5
1.08-1.75
Vitamin B2 (mg)
6.49
1.3-1.7
1.34-2.08
Folic acid (meg)
357
400
149-205
Vitamin C (mg)
604
60
77-109
MINERALS
Calcium (mg)
1,956
800-1,200
500-720
Iron (mg)
87.4
10-15
9-11
Potassium (mg)
10,500
3,500
2,500
Sodium (mg)
768
500-2,000
4,000-20,000
Zinc (mg)
43.4
12-15
10-15
Fiber (g)
100-150
20-35
10-20
*Food and Nutrition Board, National Research Council: Recommended Dietary Allowances, tenth edition 1989, eleventh edition 1999. |
James F. Balch, M.D.
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 It just happens that the anthocyanocides in bilberry and the carotene lutein are the only antioxidants actually found inside the retina. These two actions (increased microcirculation and free radical scavenging) resolve the conflicts that cause most eye diseases.
Specific Eye Problems and the Benefits of Bilberry
Let's look at some of the causes of specific eye problems and how bilberry can help.
• Cataracts—This clouding of the lens is caused by oxidation and waste materials building up within it. Increased blood flow and free radical scavenging can stop this from happening. |
Grace Ross Lewis
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 The tomatoes contain significant amounts of beta carotene which is also considered to be an excellent antioxidant.
69. What are some of the other chemicals in tomatoes?
Tomatoes also contain phenolic acids and plant sterols. These are also considered to be protectors against cancer. They also contain monoterpenes. These are antioxidants that protect against cancer and prevent cholesterol production.
70. Is there any way to avoid the danger of salmonella when eating raw eggs or foods that contain raw eggs like Caesar salad? |
Jean Carper
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 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. |
the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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| Raw veggies are usually more nutritious, but in this case, your body can absorb beta carotene and iron better from cooked spinach. To make the most of this leafy green, include both fresh and cooked spinach in your diet.
Strawberries
Benefits
Combats cancer Protects your heart Boosts memory Calms stress Shields against
A strawberry just might be the perfect ' Alzheimer's berry. At least that's what people have believed for hundreds of years. Medieval stonemasons carved their shape into the altars and pillars of churches as a symbol of perfection and virtue. |
| Zinc, found in beef liver, dark turkey meat, and black beans, helps change beta carotene to vitamin A. It also helps build up your immunity and reduces the risk of respiratory infections that can lead to colds.
Ivker recommends vitamin E, too, for preventing allergies and sinusitis. And its power, he says, is doubled when you get selenium with it. Whole grains grown in the rich soil of the United States and Canada provide both these nutrients.
Water. Keeping your mucous membranes moist will increase your resistance to infection and allow your sinuses to drain more easily. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 The Hot Hundred
Facts
I kick off the Hot 100 with alpha carotene, first among the illustrious carotenoij family. Carotenoids are substances in fruits and vegetables that are natural coloring agents. Recently, researchers have discovered that carotenoids are much more than mere decoration—they have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties. Although plants need sunlight to thrive and grow, constant exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun can trigger the formation of dangerous free radicals, which can cause genetic damage. |
| 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. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
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 Please note that provitamin carotene, which is converted by the body to utilizable vitamin A, cannot be toxic like animal-sourced vitamin A. lthough some clinicians have estimated that one regularly needs
_tY.as much as three tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day, this maybe more a therapeutic dosage than a maintenance dose. Dr. Rudin, a flaxseed researcher, uses two to five tablespoons per day. Researchers at Omega Nutrition, who produce a high-quality flaxseed oil, claim that a healthy daily dose is closer to one teaspoon of oil per day or three teaspoons of the flaxseed in its whole form. |
Marie-France Muller, M.D., N.D., Ph.D.
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 While we can't list here the mineral constituents of all common vegetables, it is interesting to note that garlic, for example, is an excellent source of sulfur, iodine, silica, and selenium, and that carrots, which are a good source of carotene, are also full of calcium, sodium, potassium and—especially in its leaves—magnesium. Cabbage provides iron, copper, magnesium, iodine, and traces of arsenic (which is non-toxic in its natural form). |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
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 Many people, though, take multiple vitamins that contain 25,000 units of vitamin A, and 15 mg of beta carotene.
B Vitamins
Absolutely vital for neuronal growth and vitality. The four B vitamins that are most important for your brain are Bj2, B6, Bj, and folic acid.
B12- Almost 25 percent of all people age sixty to sixty-nine are deficient in B12, and up to 40 percent of all people over eighty, according to a major study. One primary reason for this is that the substance that breaks down B12 in your stomach—hydrochloric acid—declines as you age. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 In addition, studies have shown that thymus-gland-mediated immune functions could be improved with carotene supplementation (see Immune Support). evolve. If repair were perfect as a result of a complete antioxidant protection, there would be no evolutionary processes.
Glycosylation and Aging
Another damage theory that deserves mentioning is the glycosylation theory. In a nutshell, this theory involves the continued attachment of blood sugar (glucose) molecules to cellular proteins until finally the protein ceases to function properly. |
the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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| Crunch on some carrots or serve up sweet potatoes, liver, apricots, spinach, or some other super source of beta carotene which your body turns into vitamin A.
Iron. Low iron levels mean your thyroid can't function as it should. Meat is one of your best resources for iron, but if you're a vegetarian or watching your fat intake, you can get your iron from other foods. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, and certain grains like quinoa are good choices. Top these foods with lemon juice or drink a glass of orange juice with your meal. The vitamin C helps your body digest iron from plants. |
Grace Ross Lewis
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| Currently there is a great deal of research on the phytochemical components of foods such as beta carotene and other cartenoids that are responsible for good health.
92. Is it true that a poison such as sulfur dioxide is used on grapes?
You are confusing the colorless gas sulfur dioxide with the chemical that is used on foods as a bleaching agent or preservative. It is mildly toxic to humans when inhaled as a gas, but after being used on grapes to prevent darkening, it dissipates and is harmless to the consumer. |
the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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| 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. |
Grace Ross Lewis
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| NEEDLE ANTIMONY antioxidants_
Products and Uses: Compounds such as vitamin C, E and beta carotene. Antioxidants control "free radicals," which damage cells through oxidation. These vitamins are abundant in fruits and vegetables; therefore the beneficial effects of eating fruits and vegetables is attributed to the antioxidants.
Precautions Some marketers suggest all antioxidants can prevent cancer and heart disease, but the evidence from controlled clinical trials is mixed and suggests that different antioxidants have different effects.
Synonyms: VITAMIN C ? VITAMIN E ? |
Paul Pitchford
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 A sampling of important nutrients includes rich protein (16-31% of dry weight), carotene (equal to carrots), calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur, silicon, chlorine, cobalt, and zinc. Alfalfa also contains vitamins K and P (bioflavonoids) and abundant chlorophyll.
In addition to alfalfa sprouts found in most supermarkets, alfalfa is available as a dried leaf herb, in tablets, capsules, and powders. To make tea, steep 1 tablespoon seed or 2 ounces dried leaf in 1 quart boiling water. |
| Refer to the Green Food Products chapter for further properties and sources of beta carotene. environment diminishes. Excessive ejaculation in particular reduces jing, draining the body's vitality. According to modern nutrition, semen contains substantial amounts of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to proper immune function. Excessive loss of semen, therefore, taxes the body's stores of these (and other) nutrients. |
| Too much carotene, a bitter substance, can induce amenorrhea:35 women with deficiency amenorrhea should avoid consuming large amounts of green and yellow vegetables such as carrots, dark leafy greens, and common micro-algae. w
Use equal amounts of all herbs in these herbal formulas for deficiency amen- w orrhea: 1) dang gui (Angelica sinensis) or angelica root (Angelica archangelica), combined with motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca); 2) mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) combined with licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or molasses. These two formu- w las can be combined for even greater effectiveness. |
| These therapies are best taken with antioxidant nutrients as a safeguard, for example, foods rich in vitamins A (beta carotene), C, and E; and wheat- or barley-grass juice powders, which are concentrated in the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) (see "Hyper-Oxygenation," page 39, for more on oxygen therapies).
TREATMENT E: Chemotherapy and radiation. The minerals and algin in kelp and other seaweeds protect against some of the devastating after-effects of these therapies. |
| Beta carotene and other carotenoids have been shown to play key roles in retarding the progress of cancer.43"45 Therapeutic doses of these are available in a variety of green and yellow vegetal foods (see Green Food Products, Chapter 16).
Healing any degenerative disease requires a balanced mix of all nutritional factors, although any nutrients that contributed to the disease should be restricted. Thus, diets low in animal protein, fat, and refined foods but rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and enzymes are usually the most successful. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Alfalfa extract is a good source of chlorophyll and carotene. The leaves contain eight essential amino acids.
EVIDENCE OF BENEFIT
Alfalfa is an immune-system stimulant that promotes normal blood clotting. It also aids in the assimilation of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, and is an excellent blood purifier. Alfalfa alkalizes and detoxifies the body. It is a good choice as a mineral supplement. |
| Acerola has a carotene content comparable to that of carrots and also supplies magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, vitamin B: (thiamine), and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). The vitamin content of acerola is highest before it ripens, while the fruit is still green. As the fruit begins to ripen, it loses much of its vitamin content, which is why it is harvested green.
EVIDENCE OF BENEFIT
Acerola is used primarily for its vitamin C content and free-radical-scavenging abilities, but also is a source of other vitamins and minerals. |
| These supply various forms of carotene, which supports the immune system.
Ql To improve the immune response, take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C three times daily and 30 milligrams of zinc once daily.
J Eliminate any foods that may depress immune function, such as sugar and other simple carbohydrates, as well as all food allergens. (See Food Allergies under ALLERGIES in Part Two.)
—J To prevent the spread of infection, follow careful hygiene practices. Clean draining lesions frequently, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. |
| Dandelion contains high levels of potassium, is a rich source of iron and vitamins, and, ounce for ounce, contains more carotene than carrots. Herbalists have used dandelion for generations to treat anemia due to deficiencies of folic acid, iron, and vitamin B12.
• Bladder infection and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Unlike many conventional diuretics, which cause a loss of potassium, dandelion leaves are rich in potassium. Using the herb as a diuretic results in a net gain of this vital mineral. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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| In contrast, vitamin E and carotene levels did not change to any significant degree, presumably because they are fat-soluble and are therefore retained in the body for longer periods of time. Given the importance of vitamin C, the serious depletion of vitamin C may deteriorate defense mechanisms against free radicals, infection, and wound repair in these patients. Supplementation appears to be essential in patients recovering from heart surgery, or any surgery for that matter. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 Additional nutitional supplements that can be added if in capsule form (amounts not listed):
Vitamin A Beta carotene Vitamin C Bioflavinoids Zinc
Actions:
This is a formula with immune-enhancing capabilities. Indications:
This formula supports the natural defenses of the body against bacterial infections.
ANTIBACTERIAL COMPOUND DOSAGE CHART
LIQUID EXTRACT
TEA
CAPSULE
ACUTE
40-60 drops in a little water, 3-4 times per day. Take every 2 hours if necessary, up to a 48 hour period. Do not use at this dosage for more than 2 days. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Select a formula that includes high amounts of carotene and take it as directed on the product label.
¦ Acidophilus and bifidobacteria strengthen and stabilize the gastrointestinal system. Take a probiotic supplement as recommended on the product label. If you are allergic to milk, select a dairy-free product.
¦ Proteolytic enzymes have notable anti-inflammatory action and are required for the digestion of protein. Take a proteolytic-enzyme supplement between meals, as directed on the product label. |
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