Introduction – More Technically Speaking
Why are Phytochemicals Important?
Let’s see, what are the 2 biggest killers in most industrialized countries? The answer is heart disease and cancer. Many phytochemicals are antioxidants, which have the ability to squelch “free radicals” that damage cells in the body. This action can ward off cancer or the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque that leads to heart disease. You may have heard of other types.
Most cells in our body can produce cholesterol through a cholesterol bio-synthesis pathway because it is a necessary nutrient for the health of cell membranes, etc. You may have heard that your body produces all the cholesterol you need, so eating cholesterol is not necessary and most often not desirable. Many people produce too much cholesterol in addition to what they eat. Numerous phytochemicals (and specifically, a group called isoprenoids) have been shown to decrease the activity of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, which not only produces cholesterol but produces growth factors needed by cancerous tumors (1,2). Cancer cells need these growth factors to grow rapidly and be healthy. Okay, now WHAT do phytochemicals do? They decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer. Why? Because they decrease cholesterol and growth factors needed by cancer cells. WOW!!! How many people could benefit from eating more of these natural food components (eating more plant foods such as fruits and vegetables)? I would say, “A BUNCH.” Because of the incidence of heart disease and cancer in the United States, most people have at least one close relative that has had or will have heart disease or cancer. Many developed nations have the same plight with heart disease and cancer.
Becky Easter said
I def. need to eat more fruits and veggies. I have high cholesterol and heart disease in my family and I want to do anything I can to prevent it.
Miranda Garcia said
This is a very interesting subject. So does a higher cholesterol level mean you have a breeding ground for cancer?
Tara Tachikawa said
It’s amazing there are so many influence in eating vegetables and fruits as I study more and more about nutrition. Since cancer is getting more common these days,I will have to be more careful what to eat, and increase the amount of vegetables and fruits in my diet!!
Chris Nabers said
I have actually started eating a lot more fruits and vegetables since I first started reading your blog. I have always been told that fruits and vegetables are really good for you but no one could ever tell me why. I’m glad I finally know the reason they are so healthy.
Joni Lee said
It seems that God is real smart in creating plants to contain so much goodness! Each vegetable and fruit is so specific in the phytochemicals it contains, and it’s a relief that they are so available. Besides, it is a cheaper source of antioxidants as compared to extracts and supplements!
Steven Ensor said
I don’t believe its any coincidence that the best foods for you are the ones that naturally grow from the Earth. I also think the bright colors of fruits and vegetables are meant to get our attention and make us want to eat them.
James Wood said
I agree with everything that you said, Americans tend to be rather ignorant when it comes to the whats in front of them (their dinner plate) this is why their is less and less veges on the plate.
Jason Gilly said
My grandfather died of heart disease. My grandmother has had cancer. Perhaps if I change my eating habits and include more natural foods, I can avoid that fate. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants are not as easy as fast food burgers and fries, but more and more restaurants serve healthy alternatives.
Yemisi Orekoya said
I am really not that suprised that consumption of too much cholesterol contributes to heart disease.
however, would i didn’t know is that we naturally have cholesterol in our system which I think it cool that we naturally have cholesterol in our system.
Andrea Pieratt said
This is wonderful information to know and to note. I do not have any close relatives or extended family with either cancer or heart disease. However, that does not mean that anyone in my family will never get it, and healthy eating is a good habit to practice!
Chelsea Reitz said
This information is so important in our lives because we have to make so many chooses on food everyday and it is so tempting to pick the less healthy options. I want to take what I have learned and educate younger generations and remind old generations just what happens when foods go into our bodies. It’s so fascinating how our bodies react to different foods!
Melissa Davis said
This information is so important. More people should take a nutrition class. I think it will help people’s health if they just learn the information they need to know to make better food choices.
Jason Huang said
I did not know that” eating cholesterol is not necessary and most often not desirable.”
Jason Gilly said
I have eaten at home much more this semester than ever before. When I buy groceries, I buy more fruits and vegetables. I am enjoying salads and drinking a lot fewer sodas. I hope that changing my habits early will help me reduce my chances of getting cancer and heart disease.