Phyto-5 Antioxidant

Phyto-5 is indicated for individuals who are not consuming the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. The supplement is also recommended for those who want to obtain the health benefits associated with consuming a broad range of phytonutrients.

Nutritional supplements have an excellent safety track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning any nutritional supplement program, particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women.

An anti-inflammatory diet is aimed at reducing silent inflammation in the body. Unlike acute inflammation which occurs after an injury, silent inflammation is not readily apparent. Instead, this type of inflammation occurs on a cellular level where the production of pro-inflammatory compounds gets out of balance. Silent inflammation has been identified as the underlying cause of many diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological degeneration, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

The production of inflammatory compounds is influenced by lifestyle and the foods we eat. Some foods like fried foods, refined products, and fatty meats promote inflammatory compounds. Health-promoting foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and spices which are concentrated in phytonutrients, promote anti-inflammatory compounds. These hormone-like substances, which mediate inflammation on the cellular level, reduce the risk of chronic disease. In studies of populations that eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, these individuals have lower rates of chronic disease.

Oxidants are toxic byproducts of cells as they metabolize oxygen to create energy. Oxidants include free-radicals, which are atoms with at least one unpaired electron, making them highly reactive. Because of the way free-radicals interact with other cells in their attempt to stabilize, they often cause a cascading effect that ultimately results in damage to other cells. Free-radicals form as a by-product of normal cellular activity. Exposure to ultraviolet light, pollution, and cigarette smoke also contribute to free-radical formation. Even diet and stress can affect the level of free-radical formation in the body. This is important because excessive free-radical formation can damage cells and tissue. Researchers also believe that free-radical damage contributes to aging.

Although oxidation is looked upon unfavorably, it has a beneficial effect on health maintenance because oxidation helps to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. However, as with many things in life, the issue is one of balance. Unfortunately, the modern-day diet and lifestyle promote more oxidative stress than is healthy, which leads to accelerated aging and cell mutations (e.g., cancer).

Antioxidants restore the body’s balance and inhibit cell damage due to oxidative stress. Fortunately, the body has several mechanisms in place to neutralize free-radicals. Three enzymes are particularly important in this process: superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes act as antioxidants by bonding with the unpaired electron, thereby neutralizing its potentially damaging effect on the body. One of the most important roles that the phytonutrients found in plants have is to provide antioxidant protective benefits.

To measure the relative efficacy of antioxidants, scientists at the National Institute on Aging developed a test called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC. The ORAC test measures the antioxidant capacity of different foods. The test assay measures both water-soluble (e.g., vitamin C) and oil-soluble (e.g., vitamin E) antioxidant levels in foods. ORAC is a measure of the ability of foods or supplements to subdue harmful oxygen free-radicals that can damage the body. Foods that rank high in ORAC value include spices (ORAC: 267,536 per 100 grams of cinnamon), berries (ORAC: 13,427 per 1 cup of wild blueberries) and legumes (ORAC: 13,259 per ½ cup dried red kidney beans).

The blue-purple fruits in Phyto-5 include elderberry, acai, and blueberry. Fruits and vegetables of this color indicate that the plant has a high concentration of flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins. These compounds exert powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Anthocyanidins also possess high antioxidant activity and have anti-cancer and anti-cardiovascular disease properties. Anthocyanins, also found in blue-purple plants, improve the integrity and support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. These compounds enhance the effects of vitamin C, improve capillary strength, and help to cross-link collagen, the most abundant protein in the body.

Deep blue fruits like purple grapes and acai berries also contain another phytonutrient called resveratrol. Although the French have a diet famously rich in fats, they have lower rates of cardiovascular disease than other developed nations including the U.S. The reason for this so-called French paradox may lie in their high consumption of red wine which contains a natural compound called resveratrol. Several studies conducted on a variety of animals including roundworms, fruit flies, fish, and rodents have shown that resveratrol can extend lifespan by 20%. The mechanism of action for extending life seems to be the same as that for caloric restriction. Caloric restriction cuts normal calorie intake by a third or so.

Researchers believe that by shifting the body’s focus from fertility to tissue maintenance, longevity is extended. Indeed, animal studies have demonstrated that by significantly reducing caloric intake, longevity is extended by 30-40%.

Studies have shown that consumption of blueberries and similar fruits may alleviate the cognitive decline occurring in Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions of aging. Other studies indicate that the acai berry strongly inhibited the pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-1 and COX-2.

The deep red fruits in Phyto-5 include raspberry, cranberry, cherry, and pomegranate. Fruits and vegetables of this color indicate that the plant has a high concentration of flavonoid compounds called anthocyanins, phytochemicals that exert powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies on the anthocyanins in cherries indicate they may be beneficial for a range of inflammatory-related conditions including arthritis. Raspberries and pomegranate rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength particularly due to their dense ellagic acid content. This phytonutrient can keep bad cholesterol from oxidizing and, like aspirin, can keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted blood clots.

The orange-yellow fruits in Phyto-5 include papaya and mango. Fruits and vegetables of this color indicate that the plant has a high concentration of carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Up to 25 different carotenoids have been isolated from mango pulp, these densest of which was beta-carotene. Papaya with red flesh contains high levels of the carotenoid lycopene. Carotenoids exhibit strong antioxidant properties that help to fight free-radicals. These plant chemicals help to maintain good eyesight and protect our skin from ultraviolet light.

The dark green vegetables in Phyto-5 include spinach, kale, and broccoli sprouts. Fruits and vegetables of this color indicate that the plant has a high concentration of two carotenoids that appear in nature together: lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein, which is deposited in the macula of the eye, helps protect against the number one cause of blindness in the U.S. – Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Lutein may help protect the skin from the harmful and possibly tumor-causing effects of the sun by scavenging free-radicals.

Sulforaphane is another phytonutrient that is highly concentrated in broccoli sprouts but can also be found in dark leafy greens and other cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and various cabbages. Recently the focus of numerous clinical studies, sulforaphane has been shown to have potent anti-cancer properties. The compound appears to work by triggering the body to produce enzymes that protect against damage-causing chemicals and inflammation.

The white vegetable in Phyto-5 is cauliflower. Just because this vegetable does not have a deep color, doesn’t mean that it is not health-promoting. Cauliflower lacks the chlorophyll (green color) found in other cruciferous vegetables because the florets are shielded from the sun by the plant’s outer leaves. Cauliflower is becoming more widely available in orange and purple colors indicating that these varietals contain carotenoids and anthocyanins. Cauliflower is concentrated in sulfur-containing compounds that have the potential to detoxify carcinogens. In addition to containing sulforaphane, cauliflower contains other glucosinolates and thiocyanates – substances that help increase the liver’s ability to neutralize a potentially toxic substance. Cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables contain a phytochemical called indoles. Indole-3-carbinol may stimulate enzymes that block cancer growth.

Curcuma is a compound extracted from the Curcuma longa root. Best known as the active constituent in the spice turmeric, curcuma is a yellow-orange polyphenol that is being researched for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that curcuma may help with cognitive deficits and Alzheimer’s disease; have anti-cancer properties, particularly in the lungs; and its anti-inflammatory properties may be of benefit to those suffering from arthritis. Although many people associate turmeric with the distinct flavor and aroma of curry, Curcuma longa root extract is tasteless, odorless and is 18 times stronger than the essential ingredients in curry.

Cinnulin PF® is the brand name for the active component found in cinnamon, extracted using a proprietary process that filters out the toxins found in cinnamon bark. Cinnamon extract contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties. While it is widely known that cinnamon plays a role in helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, research has shown that Cinnulin PF® may provide additional benefits related to metabolic syndrome by helping to regulate glucose levels, body composition, blood pressure and providing antioxidant properties.

Gingerol is the active constituent that gives the ginger root its distinctive flavor. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, ginger plays an integral role in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Boasting anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, gingerol is also effective in treating nausea and protecting the liver and heart. Gingerol has been shown to be especially effective in inhibiting the growth of human colorectal and breast cancer cells.

Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and is used to help prevent certain types of cancers, especially cancers of the stomach and colon. Garlic boasts many sulfur-containing compounds that contribute to its odor and, more importantly, its health benefits. These compounds provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits. Additionally, consumption of garlic has been shown to moderately reduce blood triglycerides and total cholesterol.

Rooibos tea (pronounced roy-bus) is made from the fermented and dried leaves and twigs of the Rooibos, or red bush, a flowering shrub native to South Africa. Rooibos tea is traditionally used to alleviate infantile colic, stomach cramps, allergies, asthma and skin conditions and irritations. Due to its high level of polyphenolic antioxidants, Rooibos tea has been shown to have antispasmodic, anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer properties as well as cardioprotective benefits. Rooibos tea is commonly used to treat respiratory disorders, which may be attributed to anti-inflammatory properties.

The recommended dosing for Phyto-5 is 2 capsules daily, taken with food.

Maintaining overall health and wellness starts with a health-promoting diet rich in fruits, vegetables and high-quality protein and fat sources. VitaMedica’s nutraceuticals are designed to help cover any nutrient gaps that may remain, and target specific health objectives. Healthy Skin Formula and Clear Skin Formula provide nutrients to banish blemishes from the inside out and promote a clear complexion. Anti-Aging Formula, our most popular product, includes our high-quality Multi-Vitamin & Mineral plus our Phyto-5 Phytonutrient Complex and organic flax seed oil in 30 convenient daily packs.