Nutrition Fast Facts

from LifeScript Vitamins

• Phytochemicals are biologically active natural substances derived from plants. They are integral constituents of natural disease resistance. A well known example is the broccoli phyto-chemical sulforathane, which reaches a potential cancer cell and activates a sequence of enzymes that efficiently remove the carcinogen from the cell before any damage occurs.

• Flavonoids are found in citrus fruits and berries, functioning as plant pigments and giving color to fruits and flowers. The flavonoids are potent antioxidants against a spectrum of free radicals which enhance a cell's membrane resistance to cancer attack. Recent research has documented a unique targeted organ tissue specificity where specific flavones are found in high concentrated with scavenger function. Examples include Ginkgo Biloba, which has a target affinity for the central nervous system, thus increasing cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery to brain tissue. Another is Silybum marianum (milk thistle) which concentrates its antioxidant scavenger activity in the liver, supporting improved function and protection. Flavonoids appear to modify the systemic reaction to allergens, viruses and carcinogens, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-carcinogenic properties.

• Soy Phytoestrogens, Genistein and Diadzein interfere with new capillary blood vessel formation, thus inhibiting a tumor's growth. Phytoestrogens provide a natural source of non-estrogen precursors which support the estrogen effects of female health and wellness. The cruciferous vegetable cabbage contains phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), found in research to offer lung cell DNA protection from a carcinogen found in tobacco smoke inhalation. Indoles and saponins also contribute to enhanced cellular immunity.

• Carotenoids are a class of natural plant molecules which serve as potent antioxidants, particularly of single oxygen unpaired electron free radicals. Approximately 15% of the carotenes also serve as pro-Vitamin A and convert in the liver to Vitamin A. Recent research has demonstrated the antioxidant scavenger activity to be protective against carcinogens. D. salina algae is a natural form of carotenoids, including beta, alpha and gamma carotene, lutein, lycopene, and select xanthins. These biologically active mixed carotenoids may have a naturally synergistic protective effect. Macronutrient consumption of whole foods enriched with carotenes include green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes and yams. Make these a cornerstone of your meal planning.

• B Complex Vitamins help to maintain healthy body growth and organ functions. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) enhances circulation, assists in carbodydrate metabolism, optimizes cognitive learning and brain function, and has a positive effect on blood cell formation, energy production and learning capacity. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is required for the essential functions of red blood cell formation, antibody production and cellular respiration. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3, including niacin and nicotinic acid) enhances circulation, supports functioning of the nervous system and lowers cholesterol through its effects on metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is known as the "anti-stress modulator," facilitating the metabolic conversion of fats, carbohydrates and protein into energy, assisting the production of adrenal hormones, neurotransmitters, and an essential element of conenzyme A. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is the most ubiquitous of the B vitamins in almost every body function. It helps maintain vital sodium - potassium balance, is essential to cellular DNA and RNA synthesis, and activates many enzymes which enhance Vitamin B12 absorption. Important recent research has demonstrated inhibition and modulation of a dangerous chemical homocysteine, which attacks heart muscle and allows cholesterol to be deposited around the heart muscle. Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is needed to prevent anemia. It functions with Folic Acid in the formation and regulation of red blood cell synthesis, iron utilization, and nerve tissue growth, particularly to avoid the risk of neural tube defects during fetal development of pregnancy. Vitamin B12 promotes normal nerve growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve ending synapses. Cyanocobalamin has a metabolic role in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important to memory and learning.

• Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the Earth's crust. Ultimately, the natural processes of climate and erosion create mineral salts found in our soil. These minerals are absorbed by plants, in turn consumed by herbivorous animals, in turn consumed by humans. This ecosystem is the biological pipeline for minerals becoming important constituents of life. Minerals are categorized as macrominerals or microminerals (trace elements). Trace minerals include boron, which enhances skeletal mineral absorption, bone density, and supports mental alertness; chromium, which enhances glucose tolerance and modulates fat metabolism as an energy source; germanium, which is a potent immune system modulator which stimulates the production of interferon and natural killer cells; copper and iron, which promote the formation of bone and red blood cells and the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin; manganese, which is important for energy production, protein and fat metabolism, and numerous growth functions; molybdenum, which is important in protein metabolism and normal cell function; selenium, which is a vital antioxidant that protects the immune system and inhibits the oxidation of fat lipids; vanadium, which supports cellular metabolism and growth functions of bone, teeth, muscle, and reproduction; silicon and sulfur for collagen, connective tissue formation, and amino acid biosynthesis. Zinc is essential to growth of the reproductive organs, supports prostate health, and promotes wound healing and important antioxidant function. Mineral complex supplementation assures appropriate quantities of each of these vital elements, which should always be consumed in balanced amounts.

• Antioxidants are a powerful group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that support the body's protection from free radical formation and cellular damage. Free radicals are atoms with a "free" unpaired electron, capable of impairing the immune system, thus leading to infection and degenerative processes, including cancer and the aging process. Key antioxidants include Coenzyme Q10, an important co-factor in cellular energy and oxidative phosphorylation; Ginkgo Biloba, a potent herb that enhances circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs and supports nerve tissue function for mental alertness; Glutathione, the cell protector that also detoxifies environmental tobacco smoke, UV sunlight radiation, toxic chemotherapy effects, and consumed alcohol. Glutathione has a key role of combining with selenium, a trace metal to form the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes the formation of hydrogen peroxide. The carotenes, vitamins A, C, and E all have powerful antioxidant effects that destroy potential carcinogens, promote healthy heart tissue, stimulate the immune system and promote anti-aging.

• Immune System Modulators includes potent herbs and trace minerals which function with select antioxidants to stimulate, modulate and protect the immune system. This "Mr. ImmuneWrench" (a la "Mr. Goodwrench") is the molecular sentry and security system that identifies and neutralized free radicals before they can cause cellular damage; induces the production of natural killer cells and interferon, who tighten the immune-surveillance function of defense from bacterial and viral infection; and serves to protect from carcinogens and environmental molecules which damage immune function. The herbal modulators include astragalus, echinacea, turmeric, goldenseal and the reishi, shitake and maitake mushrooms. The trace mineral germanium in its organic form improves cellular oxygenation and stimulates interferon production and its cellular protection. Manganese, zinc and selenium all support the immune system competency and function.

• Appetite suppressants and fat metabolizers include the Indian herb, Garcinia Cambogia, whose active ingredient hydroxy citric acid (HCA) modulates appetite and supports the burning of stored fat as an energy source; Chromium picolinate, which inhibits sugar cravings and enhances the utilization of glucose from simple carbohydrates; Lecithin, a fat emulsifier which aids in breakdown of fats; Choline, L-Carnitine, L-Methionine and Inositol, which support fat burning metabolism; and spirulina and branched-chain amino acids to promote greater lean body mass.

back to top