Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that are neither vitamins nor minerals; yet, they have health-enhancing effects: phytochemicals help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease and dementia, and aid in the prevention of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Many phytochemicals are antioxidants, including carotenoids, and flavonoids. Among the flavonoids, isoflavonoids in soy and other legumes have estrogen-like effects. Some phytochemicals, such as isothiocyanates in the cabbage family and organo sulfur compounds in garlic, block the carcinogenic action of chemical carcinogens by helping the body dispose of them.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are chemical substances that donate an electron to the free radical and convert it to a harmless molecule. Antioxidants intercept free radicals and protect cells from the oxidative damage that leads to aging and disease. Antioxidants prevent injury to blood vessel membranes, helping to optimize blood flow to the heart and brain, defend against cancer-causing DNA damage, and help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Some antioxidants are made in our cells and include enzymes and the small molecules glutathione, uric acid, coenzyme Q-10 and lipoic acid. Other essential antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, and selenium must be obtained from our diet. Fruits, vegetables and grains are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins minerals and phytochemicals (botanicals).

Carnitine

Acetyl l-carnitine enhances energy production by facilitating the transport of fatty acids into the energy-producing units in the cells. It increases cellular respiration, membrane potential and cardiolipin levels. Acetyl l-carnitine improves energy production within brain cells and is considered a neuro-protective agent because of its antioxidant action and membrane stabilizing effects.

Carnosine

The amino acid carnosine is a natural antioxidant found in high concentrations in the brain, muscle tissue and the lens of the human eye. It is also known to be an antioxidant capable of protecting cell membranes and other cell structures. Carnosine inhibits glycosylation and cross-linking of proteins induced by reactive aldehydes, and is effective in reducing advanced glycation end-products (AGE) formation by competing with proteins for binding with the sugars. Many additional functions for carnosine are as immunomodulator, neurotransmitter, metal ion chelator, and wound healing agent. It was demonstrated that carnosine was effective in overcoming muscle fatigue, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and hyperactivity and inducing sleep. Carnosine has a protective effect, preserving nerve cells from damage and death, making it a promising treatment for patients with stroke. Carnosine was also shown to be effective in the treatment of senile cataracts. Along with carnosine, lipoic acid has been shown to control the formation of AGE and reduce protein damage from glycation in both humans and animals.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are the fat-soluble colors in fruits and vegetables and are a family of more than 600 antioxidants. Beta carotene, which is rich in carrots and other yellow/orange vegetables and fruits, converts to vitamin-A when the body lacks enough of the vitamin. Alpha carotene is high in carrots and green beans, lycopene, high in tomatoes and lutein and zeaxanthin is high in spinach and other dark greens. Similar to vitamin E, carotenoids trap reactive oxygen species from sunlight, break free radical chain reactions and prevent oxidative damage. Consumption of fruits and vegetables that are high in beta-carotene has shown reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke. There are over 600 known carotenoids besides beta and alpha. About 40 are found in the human diet, and not all of them turn into vitamin A. Lycopene is one that does not convert to vitamin A.

Lycopene

The carotenoid lycopene provides stronger antioxidant protection against certain types of free radicals, and may protect against certain types of cancer better than any nutrient presently known. Lycopene makes up about half the carotenes in human serum; yet, very little research has been done on it. Lycopene is what gives tomatoes, watermelons, grapefruits and papaya their red color. A pigment synthesized by some plants and animals to protect them from the sun, lycopene evolved as a weapon against certain free radicals. Humans get most of their lycopene from tomatoes--by far the richest source; yet, tomato products offer a more concentrated source of lycopene than the fresh fruit itself. Since lycopene is a nutrient that can stand the heat, cooked tomato products, such as tomato paste, provide more of it than fresh tomatoes.

Lycopene's cancer protection is in part due to its antioxidant protection. But some studies show that it may also modulate immunity, inhibit angiogenesis and affect hormones. Lycopene works better in combination with lutein, another carotenoid which if found mostly in spinach and corn. (associated with maintenance of the macula). Just as lutein is concentrated in the macula, lycopene is concentrated in certain organs. The prostate gland is one of these organs. Inadequate supplies of vitamin-C and sulfur molecules such as N-acetylcysteine can adversely affect Lycopene. Lycopene is carried in the blood by the low density lipoprotein molecule (LDL) that also carries cholesterol. Drugs that lower cholesterol can drastically interfere with the carotenes. The fake fat Olestra is another chemical that depletes the carotenoids and vitamin A. Other parts of the body besides the prostate that accumulate lycopene are the adrenal glands, liver, colon and testes. Aging reduces levels of lycopene in the blood. Lycopene appears to be protective against cancer of the digestive tract.

Co-Q10

Co-Q10, coenzyme Q-10, or ubiquinone, is found in the cells' mitochondria, and has two known functions. Co-Q10 transports electrons in energy production and is also an antioxidant that protects against free radicals formed during metabolism. Co-Q10 decreases in some tissues, with age. The heart, brain and muscles, which are high in mitochondria, may be most affected by the falling levels of Co-Q10. Lipid peroxides--markers of oxidative stress--are reduced in the blood of Co-Q10 supplemented people and antioxidant vitamins-E and -C are increased.

Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid is needed for mitochondrial function and is also an antioxidant. It is made in our cells and participates as a co-factor in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy. As an antioxidant, lipoic acid is unusual because it is both water and fat soluble. It can eliminate free radicals in the water compartment of the cell, similar to vitamin C, and protect lipids against oxidation, similar to vitamin E. Alpha lipoic acid helps break down sugars so that energy can be produced from them through cellular respiration. Alpha lipoic acid plays a truly central role in antioxidant defense. It is an extraordinarily broad-spectrum antioxidant, able to quench a wide range of free radicals in both aqueous (water) and lipid (fat) domains. Moreover, it has the remarkable ability to recycle several other important antioxidants including vitamins C and E, glutathione and coenzyme Q-10, as well as itself! For these reasons, alpha lipoic acid is called the universal antioxidant. Lipoic acid is the only antioxidant that can boost the level of intracellular glutathione, a cellular antioxidant of tremendous importance.

Besides being the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant and a major detoxification agent, glutathione is essential for the functioning of the immune system. People with chronic illnesses such as AIDS, cancer and autoimmune diseases generally have very low levels of glutathione. White blood cells are particularly sensitive to changes in glutathione levels, and even subtle changes may have profound effects on the immune response. Extensive research on lipoic acid has shown several beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Much of the beneficial effect of lipoic acid is attributed to its ability to increase glutathione, chelate metals (such as iron and copper), quench diverse free radicals, and recycle antioxidants.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a broad family of naturally-occurring physiologically-active nutrients. They can be divided into four subgroups. The first group is called bioflavonoids. The next two groups are close cousins of bioflavonoids and are called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These are found primarily in the berry nectars. The last group is called xanthones. They are primarily found in Gentain and Chinese skullcap nectars.

People who consume more vegetables and fruit show significantly superior health compared to those eating the least, especially in regard to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Now the reasons for this are emerging. While eating a wide variety of plant foods is highly recommended, due to the synergy of various phytochemicals, we are discovering that certain compounds are particularly valuable, with blueberries and bilberries at the top of the list. Spinach and kale contain the powerful carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as the sulfur-containing antioxidant, lipoic acid--nutrients that help protect us against macular degeneration and cataracts, and against cardiovascular disease and other aging-related disorders as well. Eating spinach, kale, and other green leafy vegetables at least twice a week is highly recommended. However, consuming half a cup or more of blueberries every day in addition to all the vegetables and fruit can double your antioxidant intake from food.

Frozen blueberries are fine when fresh or dehydrated ones are not available. Wild blueberries are more potent than the larger, sweeter cultivated blueberries, but even the cultivated blueberries are extremely effective against free radicals. European bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and North American blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are closely related; cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are also close cousins to blueberries. Scientists think that the antioxidant and general anti-aging benefits of the Vaccinium species berries come from the compounds that give them their deep pigmentation. These compounds are a class of flavonoids (phenolic compounds) called anthocyanins, and are excellent antioxidants in their own right.

Turmeric seed, the basis for prepared yellow mustard, is among the most powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant polyphenolic tonic. Turmeric seeds contain the poyphenol curcumin. The seeds were used for centuries in topical mustard plasters designed to support respiratory health and proved effective by exploiting its anti-inflammatory properties.

Red Grape Skin extract contains a mix of substances, some of which are found in grape seeds, and some in red wine. These substances include non-bioflavonoid polyphenols (derivatives of cinnamic and benzoic acid) and bioflavonoid polyphenols (quercetin, catechins, flavonols, and anthocyanidins). One of these ingredients, resveratrol, was found to have anti-platelet aggregating activity. Supplementation may prevent, or be helpful with, the following conditions: bruising (capillary fragility), Raynaud's syndrome, diabetes, varicose veins, heart disease (atherosclerosis & hypercholesterolemia), vision problems (including cataracts & glaucoma), inflammation (including bursitis & tendonitis), wound healing.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that give vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, leaves, flowers, and bark their color. The flavonoids are found in many botanical nectars but especially in Chinese skullcap, gentain, cranberry and grape. Sometimes these complex flavonoids are referred to by an older term that seems to be regaining popularity, namely condensed tannins. It is these tannins that give flowers, vegetables and fruits hues that include deep red, purple, mauve, blue, all the way to the extremely dark blue of Northern European bilberries, which can appear practically, black. Thus, the redness of strawberries and raspberries and the blueness of blueberries are due to the same class of compounds. Elderberry, persimmon, tart red cherries (tartness indicates the presence of condensed tannins), red and purple grapes, beets, purple cabbage, and the peel of the purple eggplant contain anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. So do many flowers--the very names of certain anthocyanins such as petunidine, malvidine, delphynidine, and peonidine indicate in which flowers these anthocyanins were first discovered. The anthocyanins in hydrangea have the interesting property of imparting mauve-pink color when the plant grows in acid soil and blue color in alkaline soil.

The red-mauve hues of autumn leaves are also due to these complex polyphenols. The stunning scarlets of October are the gift of anthocyanins. The astringent taste of wine and unripe fruit is also due to various condensed tannins. The names of some of the most important bioflavonoids are baicalin, myricetin and quercetin. They provide many health-promoting benefits. They act as histamine blockers for reducing allergy symptoms and help reduce inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis. Histamine creates the inflammation associated with asthma, allergies, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and ulcers. They also work as antioxidants by scavenging damaging particles in the body known as free radicals which are a natural part of the metabolic process that can damage cell membranes, interact with genetic material, speed the aging process and contribute to the development of heart disease and cancer. Quercetin--widely researched due to its powerful anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardio-protective properties, is chemically closely related to anthocyanins. Quercetin is present in wine, ginkgo, onions, apples, black tea and grapefruit. But berries appear to have something possibly even more potent in some ways than quercetin: a simple phenolic compound called ellagic acid, which provides natural chemoprevention.

Bioflavonoids, are considered important substances in cancer prevention as they have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the breast, colon, prostate and lungs. Prunes lower the risk associated with estrogen-dependent cancers, including breast cancer. Blueberries show anticancer activity against cervical and breast cancer. Noni protects the skin against cancers. Berries have been shown to provide cancer protection by blocking tumor growth and preventing protein synthesis in tumor cells. They also work in cases of human myeloid leukemia, transforming cancerous cells into non-cancerous ones. Garlic contains bioflavonoids, an organo sulfur substance with antioxidant activity that has anti-carcinogenic properties and helps protect against cardiovascular disease. Ellagic acid, a powerful anti-carcinogen is also present in many kinds of berries, including blueberries and raspberries, as well as in cherries and pomegranates.

Inflammation is a risk factor in heart disease. It is especially damaging to collagen and connective tissues because in the long run, tissues begin to scar and become less elastic. Blood vessels in these tissues become inflexible and blood leaks into surrounding tissues. This vicious cycle continues and atherosclerosis results. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids promote the health of your circulatory system by reducing platelet aggregation, strengthening vascular membranes and protecting cell membranes. They neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue. They strengthen capillary walls, microcapillaries and keep larger vessels flexible and obstructed. Their antioxidant capacity prevents oxidants from damaging connective tissue and they repair damaged proteins in the blood vessel walls, preventing further damage. Bioflavonoids help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis which is the plaque buildup in arteries that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) can prevent damage caused by atherosclerosis and unhealthy lifestyles. They inhibit platelet aggregation four times better than aspirin in smokers. They also prevent damage from blood clots, or ischemic reperfusion injury, as well as from venous insufficiency. Anthocyanins are powerful atherosclerosis fighters, they prevent the damaging oxidation of low density lipoproteins or LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is often the source of inflammation, thickening of arteries and clotting mechanisms, all of which lead to heart disease. They help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk factors from heart disease that can lead to death. Prune nectar has been shown to promote healthy cholesterol levels, particularly high density lipoproteins or HDL (good) cholesterol in both menopausal and post-menopausal women, compensating in part for the reduction of estrogen levels and helping to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Elderberry has been found to be particularly helpful in minimizing endothelial cell damage and in dilating coronary blood vessels to maintain healthy blood flow. The OPCs in red wine may help explain the French Paradox, where the heart disease rate is one third lower than in America in certain French provinces known for consuming high-fat foods and red wine.

Green tea contains mainly catechins, which are relatively simple phenolic compounds. "Simple" doesn't mean that they are less beneficial. Black tea and many fruits and vegetables contain mainly complex polyphenols, also called polymeric polyphenols, or condensed tannins. Both simple and complex polyphenols, often present side by side, have been found to have a wide range of health benefits. Catechins are found not only in green tea, but also in red wine and dark chocolate (cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate are good sources; "white chocolate" does not contain polyphenols). Likewise, coffee contains caffeine (an alkaloid; by the way, caffeine is also a strong antioxidant), as well as catechins, as well as simple phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and tannic acid. This can explain the well-established effectiveness of coffee in decreasing iron levels, or fighting bacterial and viral overgrowths.

Tannins are very common in the plant world. Apart from the sources already mentioned, they are also found in the bark of various trees--the best-known bark extract, Pycnogenol, comes from the bark of the French Maritime Pine, Pinus maritime. The wide distribution of tannins in the plant kingdom is probably related both to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The presence of tannins in wood, for instance, is a key reason for the durability of wood. The fact that chocolate doesn't spoil in spite of its high fat content is also due to these fascinating polyphenols. Also, in spite of containing sugar, chocolate, like tea and other flavonoid-rich foods, appears to help prevent cavities. There is emerging evidence that thanks to their antimicrobial action, flavonoids can help prevent dental decay and oral diseases. Bioflavonoids work synergistically with other antioxidants. Bioflavonoids working with Vitamin-C support healthy skin, blood vessels and collagen. Vitamin-C is actually recycled and can be reused by the body when bioflavonoids are present. Conversely, bioflavonoids reduce inflammation more effectively when they interact with bromelain (found in noni fruit and pineapple) and other digestive enzymes.

Bioflavonoids are antioxidants that battle and neutralize a wide variety of free radicals including nitric oxide, the hydroxyl radical (HORAC), singlet oxygen, the super-oxide radical, and the super-potent combination of superoxide and nitric oxide called the peroxynitrate radical. Bioflavonoids help to regulate nitric oxide levels and keep them from becoming excessive. Free radicals like nitric oxide cannot be totally eliminated for they have a good side as well as a bad one. Free radicals react with just about every part of your body including proteins, fats, brain cells, collagen, connective tissue, blood vessels, immune cells and DNA. Free radical reactions produce oxidative stress which if left unchecked can result in greater susceptibility to disease, premature aging, heart disease, chronic inflammations in a variety of organs and tissues, arthritis, asthma, diabetes and stroke.

Bioflavonoids are also potent anti-inflammatory tonics. Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme that produces substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have dual personalities. In one form, the protect tissues, but in another, they inflame them. Baicalin, quercetin and myricetin are now being recognized as powerful COX-2 inhibitors, in many cases working as well as the well known class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). A COX-2 inhibitor is a substance that inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2. COX-2 inhibitors are found in nature in a variety of pain-relieving botanical tonics and have also been manufactured synthetically. Two popular drug versions are called Vioxx and Celebrex. One of the COX enzymes, COX-1, helps support healthy stomach function and protects the lining of the intestine. It also promotes healthy kidney and blood platelet function. Another important COX enzyme, COX-2, is not present to any great extent in healthy tissues, but when cells are damaged it is manufactured in situ, at the site of injury, triggering localized inflammation and pain signaling the brain that tissues are damaged.

Aspirin, Tylenol and ibuprofen are non-selective COX inhibitors. They inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes in your body. Since many of the COX-1 effects are beneficial, inhibiting this enzyme is an unwanted side effect of many pain relievers. The most common is a greater susceptibility to stomach bleeding. Bioflavonoids have no such side effects since they leave the COX-1 pathway alone and only inhibit COX-2 prostaglandin production. Blocking COX-2 enzymes allows your immune function work better, makes your joints hurt less, restores healthy cytokine balance and white blood cell activity, protects macrophages from free radical damage, slowing their production of caustic nitric oxide, and your helps the cardiovascular system pump efficiently. It helps to recycle vitamin C and vitamin E, giving a boost to your immune system. Chinese skullcap is a rich source of COX-2 inhibiting bioflavonoids. Baicalin, its primary bioflavonoid, has proven of equal potency when tested in head-to-head trials with Celebrex.

Bioflavonoids in general are amazingly bioactive with a wide range of benefits. Like many other powerful antioxidants, they show a biphasic action, depending on the dose. Lower doses, available from diet and supplements act as antioxidants and raise the levels of reduced glutathione and vitamin C. Negative effects such as pro-oxidant action and glutathione depletion become an issue only if huge megadoses are taken over a longer period of time. But, you can't overdose on the amount you'd get in blueberries. A lot of the benefits of phenolic compounds stem from their antioxidant properties. Flavonoids also enter the body's antioxidant network, boosting the levels of vitamin-C and of our chief endogenous antioxidant, glutathione. Higher levels of ascorbates and glutathione mean better recycling of other antioxidant compounds, including, estrogens, to their reduced (antioxidant) form so that these substances do not produce damage.

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins have some of the strongest medicinal effects of any plant compounds. Physiologically, they are powerful antioxidants used as viable therapies that support eye and heart health. Some anthocyanins have been shown to be four times as powerful as vitamin E. The berry nectars including grapes (vitis vinifera var), bilberries, and blueberries (vaccinium myrtillus), elderberries (sambucus cerulean), cranberries (vaccinium macrocarpon) and prunes (prunus domestica) are some of the richest sources of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are most stable in low, acid Ph's. However, these berries have a powerful alkalinizing effect from their minerals and polyphenols. The ultimate test of a nutrient's effect of body pH is the pH of its ash, and when the nectars of these anthocyanin-rich foods are heated to ash, the pH is quite alkaline. Red cabbage, egg plant and apples (malva pumila) are some common foods that contain anthocyanins. An easy way to identify them in your refrigerator is to notice which fruits and vegetables do not spoil quickly. Bilberry nectar is a rich source of anthocyanins. It is also a rich botanical source of iron, magnesium, potassium and copper. It was used as early as the Middle Ages to induce menstruation and as recently as World War II to improve pilots' night vision.

One study showed that anthocyanins have the strongest antioxidant power in the polyphenol family. The study found that the darker a berry's color, the greater its antioxidant power. The amount of anthocyanins varied for different varieties of the same berry and increased in those grown in low or high latitudes. Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties. They support healthy brain function, the peripheral nervous system, the skin and collagen. Anthocyanins also provide nutritional support for diabetics. They are hypoglycemic agents which lower blood sugar levels and protect both large blood vessels and capillaries from oxidative damage. They prevent oxidative damage in the capillaries of the eye and extremities, the two most common complications of diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease of oxidative stress. The reason diabetics are sensitive to sugar in their food supply is because they cannot balance their sugar metabolism. Sugar is an oxidant and diabetics have too much of it circulating in their blood. Therefore, sugar is a source of oxidative stress. Diabetics deal poorly with blood sugar-induced oxidative stress and are taught to avoid ingesting it. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of anthocyanins have been proven useful in the fight against high blood sugar. Micro-blood vessel damage from high blood sugar levels causes most of the complications in diabetes. Collagen proteins become linked with sugars, resulting in scarring and blood vessel blockage. Anthocyanins protect fragile tissues from this type of vascular damage. Blood vessel damage can allow large blood-borne molecules to migrate out of the bloodstream and between the cells of surrounding tissues, causing edema and chronic inflammation of the soft tissues of the body. This situation is often painful to diabetics. OPCs promote normal capillary and lymphatic reuptake of metabolic and other blood-borne matter. Retinopathy occurs when the retina scars in its attempt to repair leaking capillaries by plugging the leaks with abnormal proteins. Anthocyanins not only prevent capillaries from leaking in the first place, but they also help clean up the mess when they do.

Proanthocyanidins

Proanthocyanidins are another family of polyphenols that chemists call condensed tannins or oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). OPCs offer antioxidant protection specifically against heart disease and cancer, two major risk factors for death. OPCs owe their current popularity to French scientists that were successful in finding uses for the waste produced by the paper pulp and winemaking industries. These scientists studied Maritime Pine bark and grape seeds and found that the OPCs they contained were perfect nutrients to build and maintain high energy levels. Some of the richest sources of OPCs are the nectars of grapes, bilberry, blueberry, cranberry, elderberry, prunes and apples. Grape nectar has the richest source of OPCs of all the botanicals in their seeds and peels. OPCs are important antioxidants by themselves. Grape OPCs have been shown to protect many different types of body tissues better than vitamin-C, vitamin-E or beta-carotene.

OPCs are also synergists that enhance the effects of other antioxidants. Grape OPCs in particular show this antioxidant recycling and potentiating ability. The cell membrane protecting ability of vitamin-E is improved in the presence of grape OPCs. OPCs can protect our cellular tissues from premature aging with special emphasis on protecting the cardiovascular system. OPCs have also been shown to be effective against several cancer-causing agents. Grape OPCs are more effective at positively affecting the response of human mouth cells to the free-radical damage caused by smokeless tobacco than either vitamin-C or vitamin-E alone or even when both of these vitamins are combined.

Xanthones

Xanthones are close cousins to the polyphenol family and have strong antioxidant effects on the nervous system. They are found in several botanical tonics including St. Johns wort, and mangosteen, but the richest source of xanthones is gentian root nectar. The xanthones in gentian root include genistein, gentisin and several methoxyxanthones. Xanthones are among the bitterest compounds known. However, their mood-enhancing properties invoke some of the most agreeable, delightful feelings known. This is of great benefit to those who suffer from depression and obesity, acting to reduce appetites and obsessions. Gentain is known to delay stomach emptying and to trigger the release of cholecystokinin (CCK). This action then produces a series of hormonal reactions that result in satiety, a feeling of fullness and well-being triggered by dopamine release in the pleasure centers of the brain. Besides mood enhancement, xanthones are also useful in treating metabolic syndrome X, type-2 diabetes, lowering blood sugar and reducing insulin resistance. Xanthones have a common healing heritage with polyphenols, being both antiviral and anti-inflammatory.

Brain Function

Up to now, the belief has been that the decline in brain function, both the cognitive and motor aspects, is inevitable and irreversible. Now, more and more evidence points the opposite way. An impaired sense of balance is one of the telltale signs of aging. For instance, a young person can usually stand on one leg, even with eyes closed, much longer than an older person, who begins to sway and quickly needs to put down the raised leg in order to prevent a fall. The elderly are also notorious for falling down for no apparent reason. We maintain our posture by automatically correcting against swaying motion; when the conduction of neural signals slows down with aging, we easily lose our balance. Daily doses of blueberries are the only treatment known that can reverse the deterioration of motor function with aging. The phytochemicals in the blueberry extract appear to speed up neural communication. Neither vitamin-E, spinach extract, nor strawberry extract, produce the rejuvenating effects on the motor function that blueberries do. We know that certain hormones have a profound impact on brain function. In terms of motor function, coordination has been shown to improve when the levels of estradiol and progesterone are high. Likewise, post-menopausal women have shown to have faster reaction time and improved manual dexterity when put on natural hormone replacement.

The eyes know flavonoids and other compounds found in berries and spinach for their benefits. However, an improvement in memory and cognition in general is also likely to be involved. This is to be expected when the levels of neurotransmitters, which typically decline with advancing age, are raised through a powerful antioxidant intervention. It has also been found that phytochemicals contained in blueberry, strawberry and spinach extracts prevent cell death and the loss of nerve growth factors. Blueberry-supplemented neurons have a better ability to communicate with each other. Mechanisms other than the antioxidant protection may be involved here, mainly an increase in membrane fluidity and lower levels of inflammatory compounds. Another important property of flavonoids is their ability to raise the levels of glutathione. Glutathione is the most important neuro-protector, being not only our primary antioxidant defense, but also an effective suppressor of chronic inflammation, known to be a significant factor in all the major diseases related to aging. Victims of Parkinsonism show low levels of glutathione in brain tissue. Compounds that raise glutathione, such as lipoic acid, NAC, and the potent phenolics found in berries, cherries and walnuts, help prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsonism, two of the most feared and disabling degenerative disorders of old age. It appears that blueberry supplementation may be effective in reversing the deleterious effects of aging on calcium homeostasis.

One interesting property of polyphenols is their ability to modulate the production of nitric oxide. In correct amounts, nitric oxide is extremely useful. In excess, it is neurotoxic. Phenolic compounds seem particularly effective in keeping nitric oxide within the correct range, thus improving circulation and reducing free-radical damage from nitrogen peroxides. Flavonoids also tend to lower blood sugar, and thus, glycation. An extract of blueberry leaves has been a traditional folk remedy against diabetes. Glycation and its toxic end product, known as AGEs (advanced glycation end products), are regarded as one of the important factors in the development and progression of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In addition, bilberry extract has been shown to enhance the blood-brain barrier, which tends to become impaired with aging, showing a decrease in vascular density, increased permeability and other abnormalities. The normal functioning of blood-brain barrier is important not only for keeping out toxins and undesirable compounds, but also for glucose transport to the brain. Anthocyanins and related compounds are able to decrease capillary permeability (possibly by stabilizing membrane phospholipids). If the blood-brain barrier becomes damaged and too permeable, the flavonoids anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in blueberries, bilberry extract and grape seed extract (or red wine and purple grape juice) help restore normal permeability and repair the age related damage to the neurons.

Neurotransmitters

It has been known for a long time that dopamine is an energizing, stimulatory neurotransmitter. Either an increase or decrease in energy output by brain cells produces a far-reaching cascade of events. By increasing brain energy production, dopamine exerts an extremely important anti-aging effect, since maintaining youthful brain function is a key factor in longevity. Blueberries allow the body a greater ability to release dopamine. Several nutrients that increase dopamine (and thus also growth hormone) have been shown to increase the average life span. Lowered dopamine activity leads to a decrease in neural glucose metabolism, which results in less energy production in the brain. This decrease in energy output was found to be regional, affecting the frontal lobes and the anterior cingulate gyrus. When a decrease in metabolism leads to an energy shortage, cells cannot function properly. Hence the observed cognitive deterioration related to lower activity in the frontal lobes, an area involved with thinking, learning, memory and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks. The cingulate gyrus plays an important role in governing attention span, the ability to focus, mood and impulse control.

Research has shown that we tend to lose dopamine D2 receptors at the rate of about 6% per decade. This is considered a significant decline, particularly in the light of the enormous importance of dopamine, our "reward" neurotransmitter, known to be related to pleasure, motivation, zest for life, ambition and sex drive, as well as to motor function. Dopamine increases brain metabolism regardless of age. Lower availability of dopamine in critical brain regions results in cognitive deterioration, less ability to concentrate, and a tendency toward depression. When the brain activity of a relatively young person is slowed down as if due to premature brain aging, this is a grim predictor of susceptibility to serious degenerative disorders. The correlation between depression and higher morbidity and mortality is well established. Dopamine also stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, which may be an important part of its anti-aging benefits. Dopamine also is involved in lowering insulin levels (insulin rises with aging), and in improving the immune response. The production of dopamine is known to decrease with aging, perhaps due to the oxidative damage to cells that synthesize dopamine. We also lose dopamine receptors as we age, which intensifies the problem. Blueberries show an increased ability to release dopamine in certain types of brain cells. Spinach, strawberries or vitamin-E do not show this ability. Blueberries show a significant reversal in motor dysfunction that correlates with aging and dopamine deficiency.

Eyesight

Oxidative stress and free radical damage is the greatest factor contributing to the development of certain eye disorders including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cataracts lead to lens damage, cloudy vision and may result in blindness. AMD is caused by leaky capillaries at the center or macula of the retina and is a leading cause of blindness. Polyphenols check oxidative stress and can play a role in the prevention and treatment of these eye conditions. Resveratrol from grape nectar offers protection against the development and progression of both cataracts and AMD. Bilberry flavonoids have been used for nearly a century to improve night vision and protect the retina by increasing microcirculation and enhance the production of rhodopsin, also called the visual purple. Rhodopsin is a protein necessary for near vision. Exposure to light, particularly bright daylight, high-contrast lights or even computer screens deplete rhodopsin, resulting in poor night vision. A sufficient dose of bilberry anthocyanins leads to an increase in rhodopsin.

Bilberry supports and protects collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, assuring strong, healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves, making striking improvement to night vision possible just a few hours after a single dose. Chinese medicine recommends raspberries for vision improvement. Raspberries contain many of the same flavonoids as blueberries and bilberries. Also, glutathione--in addition to being the primary antioxidant, detoxifier, anti-inflammatory and possibly the key anti-aging compound--is present in especially high levels in the lens of the eye. Studies have shown success in halting cataract progression using bilberry extract and vitamin-E. Other studies have shown improved vision in nearsighted subjects. A German study using a combination of vitamin-E and anthocyanins found either a stabilization of myopia or an actual improvement in visual acuity in the majority of patients, whereas, the control group showed further deterioration. A group of naturally occurring flavonoids either arrest or even reverse the progression of myopia.

Retinopathy occurs when the retina scars in its attempt to repair leaking capillaries by plugging the leaks with abnormal proteins. Anthocyanins not only prevent capillaries from leaking in the first place, but they also help clean up the mess when they do. Catechins, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels. This happens to be one of the mechanisms through which phenolic compounds can inhibit the growth and spread of tumors. It also applies to the growth of abnormal blood vessels involved in the "wet," or advanced macular degeneration. However, the greatest challenge to good eye health is elevated blood glucose. You do not need a diagnosis of diabetes to suffer some degree of damage to the tiny blood vessels of the retina (micro vascular damage) due to the destructive action of glucose. Serum glucose levels typically rise with age. Apart from a low-carbohydrate diet combined with exercise, polyphenols lower blood sugar.

Ginkgo too provides benefits for the retina, thanks to its antioxidant properties, its ability to raise glutathione levels and its enhancement of the blood-retinal barrier. Various potent flavonoids have similar effects, whether on the brain, eyesight or the vascular system. Vegetables and/or supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin are also necessary if you wish to protect your vision against aging-related deterioration. Egg yolks are a rich source of lutein, as is spinach. Antioxidant hormones such as estrogens and DHEA may also be protective. Finally, the alkaloid vinpocetine (an extract of the lesser periwinkle, Vinca minor) is a new addition to the growing arsenal of compounds that help protect our eyesight. The omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), richly present in fish oil, also appears to be important for protecting vision.