FOOD IS MEDICINE Plant foods contain important natural compounds called phytochemicals. These phytochemicals have protective and disease preventative properties. Phytochemicals are produced by fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and herbs as they grow, to protect themselves from pests and disease. Recent research demonstrates that these phytochemicals can also protect humans against illness and disease. There are more than one thousand known phytochemicals. Some of the well-known phytochemicals include lycopene in tomatoes, isoflavones in soy and flavanoids in fruits. Phytochemicals are potent antioxidants and protect our cells against free radical damage and oxidative stress. This reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Phytochemicals also reduce inflammation in the body, facilitate wound healing, prevent infection and are beneficial in the treatment of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. The simplest way increase your intake of phytochemicals is to eat more fruits, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, beans and herbs. = = = = = The benefits of vegetables cannot be overstated. They are so important for our health and wellbeing! Our modern Western diet is high in grains and refined and processed foods and is low in vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. This creates an increased acid load for the body which has numerous negative health and metabolic effects, including impairment of our natural detoxification processes. Vegetables and especially cruciferous vegetables stimulate our Phase II detoxification enzymes. Phase II detoxification is crucial for the elimination of carcinogens as well as free radicals and other toxins. At Nature Cures, Naturopath Kathryn Arnel can test your body for the presence of increased free radical damage and toxicity, along with your unique DNA detoxification profile as well as your Functional Liver Detoxification Profile. | 
