The Healing Power of Food

The Healing Power Of Food (Antioxidants) Back in 400 B.C., the Greek physician Hippocrates said, "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food." Today, good nutrition is more important than ever. At least four of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. (heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes) are directly related to way we eat. Recent research has shown a significant relationship between antioxidants and disease (mainly cancer) prevention.

The Power of Antioxidants Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. In humans, the most common form of free radicals is oxygen. When an oxygen molecule (O2) becomes electronically charged or “radicalized” it tries to steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage to the DNA and other molecules. Over time, such damage may become irreversible and lead to disease including cancer.

The Power of Antioxidants cont… Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radical molecules and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances. Considerable laboratory evidence from chemical, cell culture, and animal studies indicates that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer (the number 2 cause of death in the U.S.).

Foods Rich in Antioxidants Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains, some meats (liver — vitamin A), poultry and fish. Beta-carotene, an antioxidant, is found in many foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, and spinach are also rich in beta-carotene.

Foods Rich in Antioxidants cont… Lutein, best known for its association with healthy eyes, is abundant in green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, and other foods. Estimates suggest 85 percent of American dietary intake of lycopene comes from tomatoes and tomato products.

Foods Rich in Antioxidants cont… Vitamin A –Foods rich in vitamin A include liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid –Can be found in many citrus fruits and vegetables. Also found in cereals, beef, poultry and fish. Vitamin E –Found in almonds, wheat germ, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

Review True or False. A ntioxidants are substances that do not protect cells from damage. N ame three foods that contain antioxidants. True or False. R esearch has not shown a significant relationship between antioxidants and disease prevention. O ther than the foods mentioned in this PowerPoint, what are some foods that contain antioxidants? *G reen Tea *C hocolate H_____________ said, “let food be your medicine and medicine be your food? Hippocrates

Review cont… What did Hippocrates, “the father of medicine” mean when he said, “let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”? Which of the following foods are NOT rich in the antioxidant vitamin A: a.Liver b.Milk c.Almonds d.Sweet potatoes (Almonds are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, not vitamin A)

Food & Disease Prevention What do health professionals believe?