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Beta-carotene:
An orange plant pigment that is converted by the body into Vitamin A.
High concentrations of beta-carotene can be found in sweet potatoes,
carrots and pumpkin.
Cardiovascular
Disease: A disease of the heart and blood vessels which causes
more than half of the deaths each year in the U.S. Cardiovascular disease
contributes to atherosclerosis, the clogging and closure of the arteries
that feed the heart and brain, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
Carotenoid:
Fruit and vegetable pigments in the yellow, orange and red range that
help plants resist sun damage, and act as anti-oxidants. Found in yellow
corn, tomatoes, carrots, and also in dark leafy greens, such as spinach
(but hidden by the plant’s chlorophyll). The most important of
these are alpha and beta-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein
and zeaxanthin.
Flavonoids:
Water soluble plant pigments that function as antioxidants and protect
plants from damaging free radicals. Major dietary sources of flavonoids
include fruit and fruit products, tea, and soy.
Glucosinolates:
Phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables that convert into sharp-tasting
compounds when ingested, acting as a natural insect repellant to the
plant, but offering a variety of healtb benefits to humans. Both the
sulfur-containing compounds, isothiocyanates, (which give crucifers
their characteristic bitter taste and pungent odor) and non-sulfur compounds,
such as indoles, play an important cancer-fighting role in the diet.
Hesperetin:
A flavonone found in oranges associated with protection against several
major chronic diseases, including cerebrovascular disease and asthma.
Insoluble
Fiber: Better known as roughage, is undigested plant material
that does not dissolve in water, but adds bulk to the stool to ease
it out of the digestive tract.
Limonene:
Phytochemicals found in the peels of citrus fruit and other plants that
has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Also effective
as an insecticide.
Lutein:
An antioxidant pigment found in dark green leafy greens, yellow fruits
and vegetables, and egg yolks, that appears to quench or reduce harmful
free radicals in various parts of the body. It also filters blue wavelengths
of light from the visible-light spectrum. Blue light, in both indoor
lighting and sunlight, is believed to induce oxidative stress and possible
free-radical damage in human organs exposed to light, such as the eyes
and skin.
Lycopene:
A red pigment and member of the carotenoid family found in tomatoes
and other red vegetables and fruit, which acts as a very powerful antioxidant.
Lycopene tends to collect in certain organs, such as the prostate and
the lungs, and scientists have observed that people who consume more
lycopene seem to have reduced instances of cancer in these organs.
Lysine:
One of nine essential amino acids that must be derived from the diet.
Macula:
Located roughly in the center of the retina, the macula is a small and
highly sensitive part of the retina responsible for detailed central
vision.
Micronutrients:
Small amounts of vitamins and minerals that play an integrated role
in health.
Nutrients:
Proteins, fats and carbohydrates that the body uses to build cells or
generate energy.
Phytochemicals:
Plant chemicals that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
These are found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, and
are being examined for added physiologic benefits which may reduce chronic
disease risk and improve overall health.
Quercetin:
A flavonoid with anti-oxidant properties particularly useful in controlling
the free radical called singlet oxygen. It can kill herpes simplex virus,
and enhances other antiviral compounds. Its anti-inflammatory properties
make it useful in treating allergic conditions such as hives, hay fever
and asthma. Apples contain high levels of quercetin in their skins,
but it is also found in red onions, tomatoes, tea and cranberries.
Resveratrol:
A polyphenolic anti-oxidant compound found in the skin of grapes, which
the plant produces to fight bacterial and fungal infections.
Soluble
Fiber: These plant fibers (such as pectin) swell or thicken
when water is added. Like insoluble fiber, it is not absorbed in the
digestive tract, but binds sugars and releases them gradually, which
keeps blood sugar levels steady. Soluble fiber also absorbs bile acids
and cholesterol, and sends them out of the digestive tract before they
can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Zeaxanthin:
Like Lutein, Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid found in dark leafy green vegetables,
and also in high concentrations in yellow corn. Research indicates that
both Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in the retina of the human eye,
with Zeaxanthin concentrated most in the central macula, and Lutein
in the outer retina. Both may increase the concentration of macular
pigment, which reduces the risk of degeneration of this tissue due to
aging.
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