The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
 Canthaxanthin, a less well-known carotenoid, was shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell growth in both WiDR colon adenocarcinoma and SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells (Palozza et al. 1998).
• Researchers showed that the tisk of bteast cancer approximately doubled (2.21-fold) among subjects with blood levels of beta-caiotene in the lowest quar-tile, compared with those in the highest quartile. The risk of breast cancer associated with low levels of othet carotenoids was similar, that is, a 2.08-fold increased risk if lutein is deficient and a 1. |
Mary-Ann Shearer
See book keywords and concepts |
 Tomato is high in lycopene, part of the carotenoid family, and is also high in vitamin C. It also contains calcium (as does all plant food), magnesium, potassium, and is alkaline in your bloodstream when eaten raw; it is thought to be beneficial for liver and kidney problems and research indicates that it helps prevent cancer and appendicitis. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| It may also be helpful in preventing the development of age-related macular degeneration, as this carotenoid is concentrated in the retina, where it acts to protect it from damage.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Broccoli should be deep sage, dark green, or purplish green depending on the variety. The stalks and stems should be firm. Yellowed or wilted leaves indicate loss of much of the nutritional value. Avoid wilted, soft, and noticeably aged broccoli.
Broccoli is very perishable and should be stored in an open plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper, where it will keep for about four days. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Upon absorption, beta-carotene is metabolized into numerous other types of carotenoid compounds, none of which appear to be toxic to normal cells, but which are significantly toxic to tumor cells.
Concern has been raised recently by the ATBC and CARET clinical trials involving beta-carotene supplementation and a link to increased cancer rates of the lungs and prostate in those exposed to asbestos or engaged in heavy smoking and/or heavy alcohol consumption. It should be noted that those who only smoked occasionally did not show an increased cancer rate with supplement use. |
Dianne Onstad
See book keywords and concepts |
 It contains a high rate of carotenoids and carotenoid factors, which explains its effectiveness as a dye and as a medicinal herb. Annatto's vast ethno-botanical uses include treatment for headaches, cancer, diabetes, inflammation, jaundice, epilepsy, and tumors. It is also used as an aphrodisiac and a douche.
Arrowroot
(Maranta arundinacea)
The botanical name Maranta was given by Plumier in 1559 to honor a famous Venetian physician and botanist, Bartommeo Maranto. The term arundinacea means "reedlike. |
T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II
See book keywords and concepts |
 Consuming one carotenoid at a time in the form of a pill will never be the same as eating the whole food, which provides the natural network of health-supporting nutrients.
Five years after our rather obscure work on these antioxidants,32 a Harvard study33 effectively kicked off the lycopene campaign. In my opinion, lycopene, as a cancer fighter, is headed for an already overcrowded magic bullet graveyard, leaving behind a trail of deep confusion.
FRUIT CLAIMS
The fruit industry plays this game just like everyone else. |
Dianne Onstad
See book keywords and concepts |
| Lutein Along with zeaxanthin, an antioxidant and yellow carotenoid found in the eye. Lutein filters out harmful blue light and protects against macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over sixty-five years of age. A member of the carotenoid family, lutein is found in deep green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and turnip greens.
Lycopene The pigment that gives tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guavas their red color. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant telated to beta carotene. |
Jean Carper
See book keywords and concepts |
 For if vitamin A activity is not the main marker of cancer-fighting ability, all the other hundreds of carotenoid pigments in these foods may also find a place in the sun. Indeed, it appears that nearly all carotenoids in foods are antioxidants of various strengths. Dr. Krinsky, for example, tested canthaxanthin, a vegetable carotenoid that has no vitamin A activity at all. It, too, in test tubes prevented cells from becoming cancerous and in animals blocked tumors just as beta carotene did. Dr. |
Ben-Erik van Wyk
See book keywords and concepts |
 Notes The red pigment in grapefruit is not anthocyanins (as in blood oranges) but lycopene, the red carotenoid and antioxidant found in tomatoes.
Citrus reticulata mandarin • tangerine • naartjie
Mandarin fruiting branches
Minneola (minneola tangelo) fruits
Description This is a small tree with dark green leaves, white fragrant flowers and small, broad fruit. All mandarins are easily recognised by the loose segments and fruit wall that is easily peeled away by hand. The numerous types include the common mandarin or tangerine (C. reticulata), the satsuma mandarin or unshiu mikan (C. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
 Lycopene
Lycopene, found primarily in tomatoes, is a member of the carotenoid family—including beta-carotene (p. 268) and similar compounds found naturally in food—and has potent antioxidant (p. 267) capabilities.
A study conducted by Harvard researchers examined the relationship between carotenoids and the risk of prostate cancer.1 Of the carotenoids, only lycopene was clearly linked to protection. The men who had the greatest amounts of lycopene (6.5 mg per day) in their diet showed a 21% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared with those eating the least. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Its carotenoid content is extremely high, as is reflected by its higher vitamin A content than carrots'—dandelion has 14,000 IU of vitamin A per 100 grams compared to 11,000 IU for carrots. In addition, dandelion is an excellent source of vitamin C, riboflavin, B6, and thiamin, as well as calcium, copper, manganese, and iron.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Dandelion is a rich source of nutrients and other compounds that may improve liver functions, promote weight loss, possess diuretic activity, and improve blood sugar control. |
| It is packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature, including lycopene—the red carotenoid pigment that also gives tomatoes their red color.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
People tap on watermelons to determine if they sound hollow and are therefore ripe; however, this practice does not always meet with success. Instead, look for watermelons that have a smooth surface and a cream-colored underbelly. Despite the best precautions, however, it is difficult to judge the quality of a watermelon without cutting it in half. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Lycopene
Description: Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family. It has received much attention because studies have shown that it has a protective effect against prostate and other cancers. Studies have also shown that lycopene enhances immune function and protects against heart disease. Tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit are all good food sources of lycopene.
Indications: Asthma
Atherosclerosis prevention
Cancer prevention
Immune support
Macular degeneration
Prostate cancer Precautions: No side effects have been reported. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
| Suggested phytonutrient dosages are from 9-20 mg of sulphoraphane, 10-30 mg a day of lycopene, and 15^40 mg of lutein, along with a mixed carotenoid blend that includes alpha- and beta-carotene. A product called PhytoFood Powder provides potent amounts of sulphoraphane, while carotenoid extracts are available in a variety of encapsulated preparations. Note: Diet: What Should the Cancer Patient Eat, appearing later in this protocol, contains a discussion tegarding the value of sulphoraphanes in the diet. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Too high of an intake can lead to carotenemia (yellowing of skin), which disappears after reduction of carotenoid intake. atural vitamin E has been shown to have significantly greater bioavailability than synthetic vitamin E. Make sure to look for natural forms of vitamin E, listed as d-alpha-tocopherol, as opposed to synthetic, which is listed as dl-alpha-tocopherol. |
Robert Hass, M.S.
See book keywords and concepts |
 But the most powerful cancer-clobbering carotenoid is actually a compound called lycopene.
Lycopene is the carotenoid most efficient at quenching the type of free radicals caused by cigarette smoke and air pollution. The foods with the highest concentration of lycopene in the ordinary American diet are tomato sauce (including ketchup and tomato-based barbecue sauces), guava, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Unlike synthetic beta-carotene dietary supplements, which contain no lycopene or any other natural carotenoids, these foods contain a spectrum of disease-fighting carotenes. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Yellow corn, the predominant corn used today, is high in the carotenoid called lutein. Thus, yellow corn food products can protect against heart disease and macular degeneration, a condition of the eye typically seen in older age; 1.5 micrograms of lutein is found in one 3!/2-ounce (100 gram) serving of yellow corn.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Since picked corn goes through rapid conversions from sugar to starch, whether from the farmer's market or supermarket, it is best to buy corn that has been stored in a cool environment or refrigerated. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| And, finally, a newer technology uses a computer-guided low-energy, blue light laser to scan the palms of your hands and measure the carotenoid antioxidant level.
References: Nutritional Supplements
Anderson, R. A. 1997. Chromium as an essential nutrient for humans. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 26(1 Pt 2):S35—41.
Bower, C, F. Stanley, and D. Nicol. 1993. Maternal folate status and risk for neural tube defects. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 678:146-55.
Fairfield, K. M., and R. H. Fletcher. 2002. Vitamins for chronic disease prevention in adults: Scientific review. |
Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, Assembly of Life Sciences National Research Council
See book keywords and concepts |
 Since canthaxanthin and phytoene are carotenoids that do not have vitamin A activity, the protective effect appears to reside in the carotenoid structure per se. In an earlier study, Shamberger (1971) reported experiments in which 3-carotene applied to the skin of mice concomitantly with croton oil increased the formation of epidermal tumors previously initiated by 7,12-dimethylbenz-[a_]anthracene (DMBA). Considerable further research is necessary to evaluate the effects of carotenoids on carcinogenesis in laboratory animals.
Summary
Epidemiological Evidence. |
T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II
See book keywords and concepts |
| In studies on carotenoid antioxidants and cancer initiation, the pattern was consistent.54 55 From the first stage of cancer initiation to the second stage of cancer promotion, the pattern was consistent. From one mechanism to another, the pattern was consistent.
So much consistency was stunningly impressive, but one aspect of this research demanded that we remain cautious: all this evidence was gathered in experimental animal studies. Although there are strong arguments that these provocative findings are qualitatively relevant to human health, we cannot know the quantitative relevance. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| It also contains glucosinolates, phytochemicals with tremendous anticancer effects, and the carotenoid lutein.
A 3'/2-ounce (100 gram) serving of cooked broccoli provides 35 calories, 2.3 grams of protein, no cholesterol, 0.4 gram of fat, 7.2 grams of carbohydrate, and 3.3 grams of fiber.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Broccoli, like other members of the cabbage family (see "Cabbage," page 176), demonstrates remarkable anticancer effects, particularly in breast cancer. |
Amarjit S. Basra
See book keywords and concepts |
 Cloning of tangerine from tomato reveals a carotenoid isomerase essential for the production of beta-carotene and xanthophylls in plants, Plant Cell, 14: 333-342.
26. Tadmor, Y, Fridman, E., Gur, A., Larkov, O., Lastochkin, E., Ravid, U., Zamir, D., and LewinsohnE., 2002, Identification of malodorous, a wild species allele affecting tomato aroma that was selected-against during domestication, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 50: 2005-2009.
27.Ibid.
28. Causse, M., Saliba-Colombani, V., Lesschaeve, I., and Buret, M. |
The Editors of FC&A
See book keywords and concepts |
| What's more, an earlier carotenoid study found that your body may get more alpha carotene and lutein from vegetable juice than from good old-fashioned solid vegetables. So drink up!
Save room for citrus. What puts the orange in oranges and tanger- Looking for tangerine ines? Flavonoids. These are more Juice? Wnen V°" shop plant-coloring nutrients that can !°r orange juice see if
F , , i r- i rr v '* s shelved nearby, or help your body fight off disease. try the natura| foods
Flavonoids from tangerine juice aisle, you can also check and orange juice can slow the for it in juice blends. |
| Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their rich color. Since few foods have as much lycopene as tomatoes, that might be the reason a triple dose of them each week helps protect against asthma. You can also get lycopene from pink grapefruit and watermelon. Even better is guava, which compares to the tomato for lycopene and has more vitamin C than an orange. And about 30 dried apricots will provide the same amount of lycopene as one tomato.
Discover another kind of "apple." The mango is called the "apple of the tropics" and is also high in vitamin C. |
Jack Challem
See book keywords and concepts |
 At the end of the study, tests indicated that both carotenoid supplements improved the subjects' resistance to sunburn.
In another study, conducted at the University of Arizona, Ronald Watson, Ph.D., and his colleagues asked 22 men and women to take natural beta-carotene supplements for almost six months. As the dosage increased from 30 to 90 mg, the subjects' skin became increasingly resistant to sunburn from simulated sunlight.
A separate study identified at least one of the reasons beta-carotene protects against sunburn. |
T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II
See book keywords and concepts |
| When carotenoid intakes were ranked, those individuals who consumed the most had 43% less disease than those who consumed the least. Not surprisingly, five out of six plant-based foods measured also were associated with lower rates of macular degeneration (broccoli, carrots, spinach or collard greens, winter squash and sweet potato). Spinach or collard greens conferred the most protection. There was 88% less disease for people who ate these greens five or more times per week when compared with people who consumed these greens less than once per month. |
Mary G. Enig
See book keywords and concepts |
 The best known carotenoid is beta-carotene. Other important carotenoids are lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are responsible for the red, orange or yellow colors in plants. They can act as antioxidants or pro-oxidants depending on the particular system.
Catalysts are materials that speed up chemical reactions without becoming part of the final product. In fats and oils processing, catalysts are typically used for hydrogenation processes. |
Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH
See book keywords and concepts |
 Lycopene is a carotenoid with interesting clinical uses. It provides twice the antioxidant effects of beta-carotene, and 10 times the antioxidant effects of vitamin E. Idiopathic male infertility is a significant problem that appears to be caused by an excessive amount of free radicals. Lycopene has been shown to concentrate heavily in the testes and seminal plasma of men,
Based on these findings, it was speculated that dietary lycopene has a role in preventing oxidative damage of biomolecules and, most likely, in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Large amounts of the carotenoid lycopene (page 548) have been shown to increase the activity of NK cells in the elderly. In a controlled trial, 15 mg of lycopene significantly increased NK cell concentration, but no other immune functions.98
A deficiency of vitamin B12 (page 601) has been associated with decreased immune function. In a controlled trial, people with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (page 601) were also found to have markedly decreased levels of white blood cells associated with immune function. |
Email this page to a friend
