Page 22 - Whole Food Lifestyle

Phytochemicals

Science has identified many biologically active components found in plant food called
phytochemicals, including:

 Lycopene, which, is a red colored carotenoid mainly found in tomatoes

 Anthocyanins that give blueberries their blue color

 Pterostilbene that works to break down fat and cholesterol (mainly found in blueberries

and dark purple grapes used in wines, like Pinot Noir)

These phytochemicals play a significant role in protecting the cells from damage and mutation
as a result of environmental dangers and risk factors. And, the only way to get them into your
body is to eat plant foods in whole form.

Carotenoids

There are more than 600 antioxidants
called carotenoids that are found in plant
based foods, some of the more important

ones are lycopene, lutein and beta-
carotene that help to fight cell damage
from free radicals and help reduce risks of:

 Prostate cancer

 Cancers of the stomach, mouth,
colon, esophagus and rectum

Carotenoids also help reduce risks of
cataracts of the eyes and another eye
condition known as macular degeneration.

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