Phytochemicals: Guardians of our health.


*Only 1 in 11 Americans eat 3 servings of vegetables
    and 2 servings of fruit daily.

*2 out of 3 Americans said they felt that 2 or fewer servings of fruits
    and vegetables are sufficient for good health.

*In the past 5+ years, the National Cancer Institute has spent over
    $20 million researching the anti-cancer potential of plant foods.

*Only 1 in 5 children eat the 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day,
    and nearly one-fourth of the "vegetables" they consume are French fries.
 

Consuming a diet rich in plant foods will provide a milieu of Phytochemicals,
non-nutritive substances in plants that posses health-protective benefits.

Nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables contain an abundance of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, pigments, and other natural antioxidants that have been associated with protection from and/or treatment of chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension as well as other medical conditions.

The foods and herbs with the highest anticancer activity include
garlic, soybeans, cabbage, ginger, licorice, and the umbelliferous vegetables.

Citrus, in addition to providing an ample supply of Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Potassium,
and pectin, contains a host of active Phytochemicals.

The Phytochemicals in grains reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Craig, W.J.; Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0210, USA. J Am Diet Assoc 1997 Oct; 97 (10 Suppl 2): S199-204

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