A is for Apple

By Dr. Douglas Howard

Looking at an apple sitting on the table, it seems rather simplistic. A is for apple. Preschool knowledge, right? We’ve never been so wrong. If only for a moment your eyes worked as an electron microscope, your mind would quickly open to a whole new reality. There are hundreds of thousands of different phytochemicals working synergistically to form the immaculate chemistry that has designed the color, smell, and taste of this delicious food. Once eaten, this same microscopic miracle goes to work in your body.

In the past twenty years, health science has coined a new term: phytonutrients. This new word describes age-old compounds only recently recognized.

Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals or functional foods, are newly discovered chemicals found in plants. They are not carbohydrates, fats (lipids), proteins, water, or minerals. They are a separate compound. The root “phyto” is Greek for “plant.” Phytochemical literally means plant-chemical. Phytochemicals work in plants to help them survive. They protect the plant from natural invaders (insects, parasites, disease, and free radicals). Scientists have discovered that the chemicals working for the plant’s survival will perform the same functions in the human body.

For example, when a person eats spinach, they also eat the chlorogenic acid found in the spinach. This acid acts as a pesticide, keeping the bugs from destroying the vegetable. In the human body, this acid also acts as a pesticide, keeping harmful stomach and intestinal bugs at bay.

Perhaps the most astonishing point of interest is that by obtaining these chemicals through the consumption of fruits and vegetables, they have only positive effects on your health. However, when taken from their proper balance—extracted and taken alone as a vitamin or drug—phytochemicals have potentially harmful side effects.

The recent discovery of phytochemicals has made it possible for scientists to more accurately determine how fruits and vegetables maintain health. Phytochemicals exhibit many health promoting properties. Phytochemicals found in broccoli and garlic produce enzymes that modify and detoxify many toxic chemicals, including some that appear to cause cancer. Another phytochemical found in garlic has been shown to inhibit cholesterol production. Phytochemicals in spinach have been found to decrease and prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and night blindness. Phytochemicals in an orange are well known for increasing immune system function. Oranges also possess phytochemicals that are anti sunburn, antifungal and antiallergenic. The list goes on. Every existing fruit and vegetable contains thousands of different phytochemicals, each possessing different properties.

Researchers are finding that phytonutrients are important to the body in many ways. They reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and urinary tract infections. Not only may phytochemicals help slow the aging process, but they also prevent diseases often associated with old age such as cataracts and osteoporosis. No wonder people are eager to learn more and increase their intake of fruits and vegetables to receive the myriad of benefits provided from phytonutrients. There is no single plant that is a source for all the necessary phytonutrients. Different plants produce and utilize different kinds and quantities of phytochemicals.

The field of phytonutrition and the study of phytochemicals has revolutionized our understanding of how quality of life can be improved by monitoring our food intake. It is becoming increasingly clear that phytochemicals are an important factor in nutrition. There are thousands of known phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables and an untold number yet to be isolated and characterized.

Medicine and science have been searching for centuries for the newest and best in nutrition and healing. Ironically, it’s been here all along.

About the Author

Dr. Douglas Howard has been actively involved in health care since the age of fourteen. From homeopathy, chiropractics, and medicinal care, Dr. Howard has practiced and studied multi-faceted forms of medicine. His dedication has awarded him international recognition and multiple doctoral degrees. As the formulator of Balance of Nature, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide benefit from Dr. Howard’s research. He is a renowned expert in lifestyle disease and has lectured around the world, educating people on the importance of nutrition and its relation to overall health and lifestyle.