VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

$4.95 US • APRIL 2007

Editor.s

LETTER

Mike FIIIDn

For nearly 20 years. Mikl;! FIlion has written hundreds 01 health. medical and science articles fo WebMD CBS HealthWatch MSNBC. Doctor's GUide, Popular Mechanics and e score of otha publications He has also written seven health books including Natural Proslate Healers (Prentice Han) and his tatest, Supplements Under SIege (Woodland Publishmg) He has a MasLer Of SCience degree rom the state University of New York Maritime College and IS a member of Ihe American Medical Wraers Assoctauon and the National Association at SCience Wnters

Here's to Your Health.

Is anyone else as tired of the word super as i am? Instead of a championship football game we have the uper Bowl' above-average athletes are called superstars; and gluttonous food portions large enough to feed a village in a Third World country are called supersized, 1 guess we can thank Superman for this craze,

The world of nutrition has latched onto th is lrend and has labeled highly nutritious fo ds, such as the gik fruit, as super foods and super fruits. I prefer the phrase functional foods. because that's what they do; they help our bodies function the way they're supposed to.

There's some irony here, While many of u in the Western World are overindulging. we're not gelling any healthier as a result. In fact. many of u are nutritionally poor. To reverse this trend, super foods are emerging and gaining in popularity. The gllc fruit, aile of these foods, emerged from oulheas Asia after undergoing a study looking for a way to counteract vitamin A deficiencies in Vietnamese children. What researchers found is the fruit is chock-full of the powerful antioxidants Iycopene and beta-carotene, which strengthen our bodies, and essential fatty acids that help us absorb critical nutrients. The irony is, it's taking Third World villages to help show us the way.

Read about the gac fruit in this month's cover story and an a rray of featu re a rti cles trumpeting the fruit's benefits. Afterward, you may agree with me; the gac fruit is much more than super.

Do you dread growing older and developing the diseases common to aging? There

are things you can do to help yourself a at your own speed. Read abou them in 0 feature articles about vitamin C, CoQI! resveratrol and an overview titled "Aging Your Terms."

E\lery week, hundreds of medical journ articles and news reports from the worlc leading research institutions appear on rr desk and ln my e-mail. L study each one I find the topics] beli ve it's most important f, BIH readers to know about: things you migt! not hear about in the mainstream media stories they believe only deserve a few seconds or sentences, In BIH, we flesh out these st, . Ties, trusting you'll find them interesting an helpful in your daily living,

In this issue you'll read about the discover, of a lowly yeast that may hold the key to disease formation in humans; how researcher reversed the ravages of Alzheimer's diseas in mice and how they hope their discover might lead to a cure in humans; and wh the new lower cholesterol targets are more function of pharmaceutical marketing efforts than a reduction in heart disease risks, We also report on a new device that may help pea ple with hearing loss beyond what they can achieve wilh hearing aids: and how exercis can help your eyesight. With contaminated food warnings occurring almost weekly. we also lell you what you need to know to protect youne I f.

One of the key ingredients for your healU is in your hands, Read, learn and enjoy-and of course, let us know what you think, We'd love to hear from you.

4 B,eakthlDughs III Heallb VOWME 2 ISSUE 2

Mike Filion

Editor in Chief editor@breakthl'oughsinhealth.com

by Rustin Hartman

Toe human eye is an amazing machine lh complex structure and functJons. The ISlon process does not work If the eye not fully supplied with proper nutrition me toodsare more Important to vision I!'lan others. and It seems like the gac fruit

*3S created specifically 10 benefit the eye, s ricr In vitamin A and carolenoids like eeta-carcrene. zeaxanthin and lutein, nutrithai, you wlllllnd, are absolutely vital to nealth and proper function 01 the eye

From the outside in. the eye has many lay, and parts, and each performs an impor'11 role. When light enters lhe eye, it passes ough a thin coat of tears thai helps protect I lubricate the eye on thecomea. Behind c cornea, a fluid called aqueous humor

Without lutein and zeaxanthin) we simply NDUld be unable to see.

.. illates through the eye's front section and -~ta.ins constant pressure.

e iris-the colored part of the eye-

· es and contracts depending on how much

· the eye encounters .. The pupil is the black n the middle of the eye. As the iris dilates eentracts, the pupil allows an appropriate

.. mt of I ight to pass through the eye's lens. -ens changes shape as we try to focus our n on 'objects at different distances.

, light passes through the lens. it flows the center of the. eye, which is tilled with DUS humor, a dear, jellylike fluid sur,derl by the sclera, the tough, white part '"Ii eye. A t the back of the eye, the ret ina

ves focused light like a movie screen, ts many parts work together to process 'nformation and send it to the brain. oreceptors called rods and cones receive

· and convert it into electrochemical sighal can be passed through the nervous m, Since lt's the focal point of the eye, macula has more photoreceptors than any part of the eye.

Beneath the rods and cones is a layer called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE absorbs excess hght, allowing the rods and cones to receive a better, clearer signal. The RPE also removes waste and delivers nutrients to the rods and cones. Blood vessels cover the layer behind the retina, also bringing vital nutrients and removing potentially harmful waste products.

Signals received by the rods and cones travel through the RPE along nerve fibers leading to the optic nerve, really a bundle of nerves at the back of the eye. This nerve carries to the brain all the information collected from the eye. Imagine the amount of information that passes through the optic nerve each second. Everything you see passes through this nerve.

When the brain receives the information passed through he optic nerve, iL translates it 50 we know what we are looking at. This process may seem complex, but it is also instantaneous. It takes mere nanoseconds for the entire process to be completed from the thin layer of tears over the cornea to the brain.

Although glaucoma is most commonly seen in adults over age 40, it can also affect adolescents, ch i ldren and even infants. Studies show that African-Americans suffer glaucoma's effects more severely than others, experiencing the dlsorder at an earlier age and enduring more severe vision loss. Other factors that indicate an increased risk of glaucoma include:

• A previous vision loss

• Diabetes

• Russian, Japanese, Hispanic. Inuit. Irish or Scandinavian family history

• Use of corticosteroid prescripticns Often, the first sign of glaucoma is the loss of peripheral vision. This symptom often goes unnoticed until the disease has progressed to a dangerous point. so have your peripheral vision tested often. Sometimes. you can detect rising intraocular pressure. Symptoms

Serious Eye Disorders and How GJ'c

May Help

Glaucoma

Glaucoma appears when th e aqueous humor builds up or does not ci rcu late

p roperiy., cau si ng increasing pressure within the eye. This pressure, called intraocular pressure, must stay within normal bounds to avoid damage to the optic nerve. Without treatment, glaucoma causes gradual loss of vision and, eventually, blindness. Observation and research has shown that glaucoma can' be inherited and may not appear until older age.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 Brealttbrougll,ln He.al~ 7

extremely important to the health of the eye and may playa central role in preventing several major eye diseases. including macular degeneration.

a sudden onset of nearsightedness and even changes in the way you see certain colors especially yellow. Cataracts can also cause

double vision. sensitivity to glare and trouble driving at night from sensitivity to or trouble seeing other cars' headlights.

Doctors can diagnose cataracts with a series of special tests. First, the doctor checks the vision in general. Then the doctor dilates the pupil to get a good look at the lens and other eye

parts. This allows the doctor to determine how the cataract may be affecting the vision. If vision loss is minor, the doctor may prescribe corrective lenses. But if the cataract is serious enough. the doctor may recommend surgery.

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery of any kind in the United

tates. More than 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed each year, and more than 90 percent of the patients experience an improvement in vision. The American Acadernj, of Ophthalmology recommends . thal people between 40 and 64 should have a

comprehensive eye exam at least once every two LO four years, and that those 65 and older should have an exam everyone to two years.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a c ndition in which the photoreceptors of the macula, he retina's midpoint, malfunction and eventually die. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness for people over 50 111 the United States. Experts estimate that more than 17 million people in the nited States have symptoms of macular degeneration and that half a million new cases will be diagnosed this year.

The term macular degeneration usually refers to age-related macular degeneration lAM D). although there are some forms of macular degeneration that affect younger people. There are two major types of AMD. wet and dry, and AMD first manifests itself with the accumulation of drusen, a yellowish deposi , on the macula. These deposits don't affect vision themselves. but their existence signals an increased risk of developing AMD. The macula begins Lo degenerate when the retinal pigment's epithelium below the macula becomes disturbed, cutting off nutrients and preventing the rem ova I of waste materials.

Macular degeneration risk factors include smoking, age (three of 10 people between 75 and 85 will show some signs of macular

may include sudden eye pain. headache. blurred vision. unnel vision. seeing a distortion or halo around lights, the fecling or look of laziness in the eye. even nausea and vomiting.

Experts 'have been unable to find a way to prevent glaucoma. Some factors cannot be overcome. But if diagnosed and treated early. glaucoma can be controlled. Also, proper nutrition and eating foods rich in nutrients beneficial to eye health can help. The gac fruit i especially valuable to the eye because it is rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene. lutein and zeaxanthin.

Gac ay Help

lost experts will telJ you there is no way to prevent cataracts, because no one knows exacLly what causes them. But recent stud-

Recent studies found the carotenoids in gac fruit may help prevent cataract development.

Cataracts

cataract is a clouding of the lens that impairs vision. More than one-half of all Americans over the age 0(65 have cataracts. Cataracts occur when proteins build up in Ihe lens making it cloudy. preventing light from passing through and focusing correcUy. Experts do not yet know what causes this protein buildup, but they recognize several types of cataracts.

Cataracts usually form slowly and the symptoms are few at first. As they progress, cataracts can cause blurry. or cloudy vision,

ies have found that carotenoids in gac fruil may have a preventive effect against cataract d·eve!opmenl. Several scientific studies indicate that those who increase their intake of two carotenoids. lutein and zeaxanthin. may experience a reduced ri k of developing cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin are

degeneration). family history. high blo d pressure. obesity. cardiovascular disorders and excessive exposure to sunlight,

AMD symptoms include blurred vision. shadows or blank areas, distortion and trouble discerning c !ors. Mosl conventional Lreatments involve pharmaceutical drugs.

8 Breakthl'1lUgbs In Health VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

C n Help

t studies have shown that macular ation may be reduced or even pre-

Iry increasing the intake of certain al nutrients. The Age-Related Eye

• ..tudy found that a combination of

• rotene, vitamins C and E and zinc uce the risk of developing advanced

o 'oughly 25 percent in patients with "Il signs of the disease. This combinanu rienls is th only proven method to the risk of advancing from moderate anced MID.

her follow-up study examined the of two important carotenoids found -ncentrations in the gac fruit, lutein nthin, These carctenoids are inte-

king parts of the macula and periph-

mao \ ithout lutein and Zeaxanthin, v would be unable to see. Several a Of! found a connection between a levels of these lWO carotenoids

increased AMD risk. Olher studies that increased concentrations of

lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula translate directly to a decreased risk of developing macular degeneration.

Finally, a recent study at Harvard Medical School discovered that zeaxanthin may protect the retina by absorbing blue light and act as a scavenger of damaging free radicals. The same study found that zeaxanthin may protect against light damage and prevent photoreceptor death, the major cause of vision loss in AMO.

Additional studies indicate that zeaxanthin and lutein may protect the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the macula and the rest of the retina, An important study that examined 90 AM D patients found that supplementation with these amazing carotenoids caused improvement in vision for the majority of patients,

Thes carotenoids are, without a doubt. a vital part of any eye-healthy diet. and gac may well be the world's most potent source. This little fruit from the jungles of Southeast Asia might be the eye's best friend. BIH

Common Sense about the Eye:

Was Mom Right?

E ting fr it

wit p you e be r.

True Some fruits and vegel80les (especially the gac trull) are rtEh sources 01 vllamm A and beta-carotene. These nutrients are vel Y Important to the retina's photoreceptors. A vitamin A deficiency can result In night blirdness, while suttlclenllevels 01 vrlamin A can support and speed up the reaction 10 light and Information transfer

U in prescription glasses or contacts will only make your eye weaker and more de ndent on vision ad. False: Corrective lenses do nOI make your eyes weaker Your VISion may chanoe over time. built's caused by the growth of your eye. nOI by your corrective lenses.

Ori king di t sodas or

u in arti ci I weeten r

a flect your v slon.

True: Studies su~gesllMI artificial sweeleners, especially cyclamates, may cause ~our eyes to be more ssnsilive 10 light. There are other tsetors that can make your eyes /Tlore sensitive to light. as well They Include antibiotics. oral conlraceplives.llyperlenslon medications, diurelics and dlabellC medications.

Readin an the d rk i bad for your eyes.

False: You rnighl gel a ~eadache trom slralnIng to see, bul vour eyes 1'11111'101 be harmed

nl headlines trumpeted a orth American Association Cancer Registries (NAACCR) - for ew cancer cases and

While we cannot ensure that we will never develop cancer. there are some ways to lower the risk. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AleR) estimates that 60 to 70 percent of all cancers are directly linked to the foods we eat and related lifestyle factors, including smoking, exercise and obesity, and the National Cancer Institute reports that as many as 35 percent of cancer deaths are diet-related. "If you add to that those that are related to smoking and alcohol, as many as three-quarters of all cancer deaths are diet or lifestyle related," the MeR reports.

Simple choices can improve the odds dramatically. Eati ng at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each dlty, eating a hea Ithy variety of whole grains and nuts and limiting fat intake, especially saturated fats and transfalty acids, are particularly helpful. Drinking plenty of water, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are other important choices we can make. Finally, nutritional supplements rich in vitamins, minerals and immune-boosting antioxidant carotenoids=-such as hose found in gac fruit=can have potent anti-tumor and cancer-preventive properties.

What Are Carotenoids?

These plant chemicals got their name from the first plant from which they were isolated in a laboratory-carrots. Carotenoids are found in many types of fruits and vegetables and are responsible for their red, orange and yellow colors. Scientists discovered the antioxidant effects of carotenoids in 1968. and just two years later researchers found that many cancer patients had low levels of carotencids in their blood. Scientists now believe these important photochernicals may be essential to preventing chronic disease. Studies also indicate that carotenoids stimulate the immune system by activating natural killer cells, which kill cancer cells and some virus-infected cells. Two caretenoids, beta-carotene and lycopene. have attracted a lot of attention in the field of cancer-prevention research.

Two of the most prevalent forms of cancer are colorectal and prostate cancer. Thanks to

several new scientific studies. we now know the gae fruit, which contains beta-carotene and Iycopene in abundance. may be a valuable tool in the fight against these cancers.

What You Should Know about Colorectal Cancer

Each year, doctors diagnose more than 130,000 cases of colorectal cancer in the Un ited States, and more than50 .. 000 people die from eolorectal cancer each year. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of all cancer deaths. But many colorectal cancercaused deaths are preventable because, when diagnosed early through eolonoscoev, most cases are treatable.

There is not one single cause of colon cancer. Major risk factors include a family history of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis and coJorectal polyps. Studies also show that the risk of colon cancer aJso increases when a person is diagnosed with some other, unrelated form oC cancer. Researchers have also found that certain dietary factors also have a potential causative role. High-meat, high-fat. low-fiber diets show some connection to an increased colon cancer risk.

In most terminal ca es of colon cancer, the victims do not know they have cancer until it is too late for help. In almost all cases, colon cancer can be detected long before it manifests symptoms. Both a coJonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may reveal evidence of cancer, but only a colonoscopy examines the entire colon. Fecal occult blood tests may detect other cancer indicators li ke blood in the stool, but this test often comes back negative in patients who actuaJly have colon cancer. Of all possible tests, the colonoscopy offers the best chance of detecting colon cancer.

Cancer of the Prostate

More than 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2005. more than 30,000 deaths [rom prostate cancer in the United States, and the fact that a. man's risk seems to increase every year be lives highlight prostate cancer's seriousness. More than 70 percent of all prostate cancer incidences occur in men over

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 Bre •• througbs In Health 31

hat Is Cancer?

Cancer occurs when cellular damage or DNA mutation trigQer5 uncontrolled cell repllcatian. These trig 9 ers can De caused by a number olio/CBS, especially free-radical damage. When cells mutate an(j begin to proliferate atmarmally. Ihey begin to form groWths Iha lnterlara with the healthY tuncttcn 01 vllal organs Cancer patients die from the damage to organs by invaSive cancerous growths not lust lrom cell prollteranon.

Wiltlin Ihe body, two unique. natural functions are deslg ned to counteract the development 01 cancer. Ihe immune system and antioxidant protection are the body's two most powerful anti-cancer weapons Boosting and supuor 1I1l~ these functions is our bast path [0 p reve n lmg, and po sSlb Iy even OVIHcom ing, some cancers

the age of 65. African-American men are 60 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than other groups.

Not all of the statistics are bad, though.

The American Cancer Society reports nearly

6 percent of all prostate cancers are discovered while they are either still confined lo the prostate or to a nearby region. One hundred percent of men diagnosed with cancer in these stages survive at least five years. That's not bad. And in the last two decades. the general survival rate for these stages has increased from 67 to 97 percent. Prostate cancer, although more common than we'd like, is one of the most treatable cancers when it's diagnosed in lime.

A normal. healthy prostate gland is usually just a little larger than a walnut. It surrounds the urethra in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. lnside the prostate. the

fruit and the tomato's red color. Gae rna)' the world's richest source of this especia beneficial carotenoid.

Dozens of scientific studies have thatiycopane may protect against cert, disorders. including prostate cancer and nary heart disease. One recent study fou that the intake of lycopene-rich foods a significantly lower risk of prostate The same study found the same between lycopene and lung cancer.

In another study that followed the habits of 47,000 men for six years, a correlation was found between food consumption and apparent resistance the development of prostate cancer, due lycopene, There was a 35 percent in risk of developing prostate cancer those who consumed more than 10 servl

those who consumed fewer than 1.5 weekly. Most of these servings (82 were in the form of tomatoes. tomato and pizza. Tomato sauce appeared to offer mo l protecti n.

These results support another sludy followed the eating habits of a group of for a six-year period. The study found t men who ate lycepene-rich foods more five times each week had a 40 percent risk of prostate cancer compared with who consumed lycopene-rich foods less once a week.

Researchers recently reviewed 72 ies about lycopene and found 57 reports reduced risks of various types of can Lycopene's protective effects were especi notable for cancers of the prostate and ach. Of course, these reports don't cause-and-effect relationship. but a ship seems dear.

32 B.nlrlhrtll,lIIla HuiIlI VOLUME 2 15SUE2

urethra merges with the two duels that carry semen duri ng ejaculation. The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system because it produces a slightly nonacidic Auid that comprises about one-third of the volume of semen, which carries sperm through the urethra during orgasm, To function properly. the prostate requires male hormones, especially testosterone. which is primarily produced in the testicle.

In its early stages, prostate cancer can only be found during a prostate examination by a doctor. Early prostate cancer may not present any symptoms. Regular blood tests and exams can help you make sure you're nol part of that 3 percent who don't survive prostate cancer.

How Gac May Help

Lycopene, like other carotertoids, is a fatsoluble pigment found in certain plants. It's responsible for the bright color of the gac

evidence has emerged that suggests -ene protects and possibly fights proscancer. Another new study examined 33 'h were to undergo surgery to remove e u - prostate glands. These men were Jy given a placebo or 30 milligrams oene daily for 30 days before their .. After surgery. researchers examined

emnved prostate glands. They found cancer had spread much less in the Iycoated subjects than those who did not ,'copene. The researchers also noted cancerous tissue in the lycopene

'as less abnormal than precancerous In the control group. Also, levels of specific antigen (PMl fe1120 percent pene group but were unchanged in ,I group.

sts don't understand how lycopene against cancer, but they have a

y chronic diseases. cancer is linked tress. Oxidation occurs when an free radical, a molecule mis ing scavenges one from a healthy ",uage human cell normally faces _ f Free radical attacks each day. "':':::=::1 can cause permanent damage to • membranes. mitochondria and .:e to the first three can cause the malnourished, sick or even die. o Dl A can cause it to mutate , reproduce uncontrollably, and

_~~ ........... cell replication is known by -,fT.

ratory studies have demon-

I ccpene has the highest anti_ or all carotenoids, Lycopene is i..-" scavenger of several kinds of Reducing cell damage from oxi-

ncreasmg intake of lycopenereduce the risk for certain

Of)' about lycopene's anti--...· ... es mvolves the failure of cell ies indicate that failed eel-

lular communication may be a cause of cell overgrowth and, eventually cancer, Research shows that lycopene may stimulate communication between cells. Other studies indicate that Iycopene may block the effects of certain carcinogens. preventing cell damage and stopping uncontrolled cell division before it starts.

Can BetawCarotene Beat Cancer?

The gat fruit is also extremely rich in betacarotene. In fact. it contains many times the amount of beta-carotene found in carrots, which have long been thought to be its best source. Beta-carotene has long been studied for its preventive effects on several types of cancer. A study at Yale University showed a noted decrease in the risk of lung cancer in women and men who had high dietary intake of fruits and vegetables rich in beta carotene.

Another study compared the diets of lung cancer patients to the diets of 540 healthy individuals. The researchers found that those with diets rich in carotenoids (especially betacarotene) had 11 significantly lower incidence of lung cancer.

Several important studies have linked betacarotene to a reduced prostate cancer risk. In 1999, the American Cancer Society published the Physicians' Health Study, a landmark research project that followed thousands of patients for a number of years. The study found that men with lower amounts of betacarotene in hei r blood had a significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer.

The Future Looks Bright

Most of these stud ies were performed llsing less potent sources of lycopene and betacarotene than gac. Since this little fruit is perhaps the most potent source of these immune-boosting, free-radical scavenging and cancer-fighting nutrients, the best may still be yet to come as future research focuses on the gac fruit's cancer prevention and treatment potential. 81M

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 Brelktbruughs In lIe.lltb 33

December and January are times of celebration throughout Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. These months mark the

end of the rainy season and are the peak harvest time in the northern, mountainous regions for a cherished, spiny, orange fruit.

About the size of a cantaloupe when ripe, the scientific name of the fruit is Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng. indigenous to India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, the Philippines and Malaysia, it is known as Mat kerala in India, moe nie! lu in China and spiny gourd in Lhe English-speaking world. The Vietnamese imply call itgtfc.

Interwoven in blankets of lush foliage with countless branches, as gac ripens it turns from green to a vibrant orange-red color, making it easy to spot. Gac is a seasonal fruit available only from September through December each year.

In villages across northern Vietnam, it's common to see trellises in front of homes with vines weaving their way toward the sun. The Vietnamese have nicknamed gk the "fruit from heaven," not only because of its skyward-climbing vines. but as tribute to its nutritional goodness.

When ripe, the gac fruit has a 2 ern- to 3 em-thick rind covered with thorn-like spikes. Inside, an orange, spongy lining cushions between 15 and 20 round. bright-red seedpods. The membrane surrounding the pods is rich in g;ic oil which is valued for its lipocarotene. The lipocarotene aids in absorbing nutrients, especially fat-soluble nutrients including vitamins A, D, Eand K.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 Breaktllrougbslp Health 43

Cae occupies a place of honor in Asia.

The Vietnamese use the red pulp inside the seedpods i 0 a dish called xoi gtic, or red rice, made by adding the ground pulp to white rice. In Vietnamese culture, white is considered the color of death, and red, the color life and vitalily. Served as a traditional dish at weddings. Lunar New Year celebratlons and other festive events. the rice dish is served with the vibrantly colored gac seeds visible. signaling guests it i ncludes the fruit.

Most of gat's nutritional power is contained in its seedpod chambers. The fruit's bright orange and red colors indicale its high concentration of powerful antioxidants called carotenoids, specifically beta-carotene and lycopene.

Memories Run Deep

Gac researcher Thuy Le Vuong, Ph.D., a nutritionist at Lhe University of CaliforniaDavis. has fond memories of gac from her childhood in Vietnam. "The changing colors of the gac fruits, dangling on the vines woven around entrance gates as the season ends. signjfy a time of growing anticlpatlon among the children," she says. "because festivi ies with xoi gac that usher in the ew Year are soon to be celebrated."

Le Vuong ays that by December you can't help but notice the many gift vines in front of houses in northern Vietnam, with their pendulous ruby and green melon hanging from them. "Today 1 still enjoy a bowl of xoi gac for breakfast when I can," she says. "The crims n

rice brings a feeling of warmth to the bluest cold mornings."

The unusual topography and climate Vietnam are ideal for growing gac. The co try has a tropical, monsoon climate. wi' humidity averaging 4 percent througho the year. The northern part of the countr where gac thrives, is mostly highland ~ ... i hills and densely forested mountains, wi level land covering no more than 20 percer of the country.

During the winter or dry season, rough

ovember to April, the monsoon winds us ally blow from the northeast along the Chi coast and across the Gulf of Tonkin, pickiR up considerable m isture. Winter i dry most parts of the country, but only in COlT parison with the ral ny or summer season. G thrives in the harsh ctimate.

-While Vietnam is emerging as an impo tant trading partner with the United ta and other countries, it is still considered p after decades of war. The poverty and accorr panying malnutrition in many part of t country brought the power of g:k to light.

In a paper by Harriet V Kuhnleln, profess of human nutrition and founding director the Centre for Indigenous Peoples' Nutriti and Envir nment (Cl t<:) at McGill niversi in Montreal, noted that because governme health service in areas inhabited by indi enous people are often either of low quality missing, most governments designate the Indigenous peoples as those most in need public health attention.

In a 2002 paper titled, "Micronutrie Nutrition and Traditional Food Sy terns . 1 ndlgenous Peoples," Kuhnlein states til;: the development. health and scientific corn munities usually don't understand the for resources indigenous people know and us Therefore, the nutrients and other phyl chemicals in those sources go undiscover "This means that the usual proce es f nutrition assessment must be modified, a that the recognition and promotion of 10 food for alleviating micronutrienl main t ri lion wi 11 req u i re preli mina ry stud ies she writes.

44 Brellcthrougbs In lIealtb VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

". Le Vuong understands the situation as as anyone. 1'1n p pulatlons where intakes nirnal foods are inadequate and food -ces of retinol are not economically pos. efficient use of carotene-rich plants may t vitamin A deficiency:' she writes. "In m. the gac fruit is an excellent source -carotene, While his fruit is familiar to

~nous people and is easy to grow, it has underutilized because it is available only menths out of a year: there has been no

o educate the at-risk population about . itional benefit, and research efforts in

ein reported that investigation ~ 1- Issue was recently conducted by ers from the Food and Agriculture zanon of the United Nations (FAD) h\'e case studies of indigenous peorat Asian areas. They found thai of ies of traditional food reported by community areas. 93 species till gina I scientific identification, and

rnately 147 species there was not l basic nutritional data on file. nts that attempt to justify the scilee of Lhese food resource often need to give more priority to food are commonly used nationally

i! through commercial distribu-

inlein writes. "Certainly. work on _~-~.I (0 d need to be carried out: ~ equally important to pay atteni ional food resources of indig• it turns out. Vietnam's gac

_ nve studies conducted by the

erm concern. itamin A helps h. oft. disease-free skin mu ous membranes or the throat lungs. which in turn cp ibilily to infection and 'rut air pollutants and - help improve eye ight

t llndness; aids in bone

and Leeth formation; improves skin elasticity. moisture content and uppleness; and helps rever the signs of aging caused by the sun, A lack of vitamin A can cause skin to become dry and hardened. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant, like vitamins E and C.

Beta-carotene and lycopene are classified as carotenoids and give fruits and vegetables. including gac, their bright color, and Lhey're found in abundance in gac. Of all the fruits

group of natural chemicals known as carotenes or carotenoids. Carotenes and another group of natural chemicals called f1avonoids give fruits and vegetables their color. Betacarotene is essential for vision, growth. and cell division and reproduction. It also helps boost the immune sy tern. protecting against organisms that may cause disease, and il supports the structural Integrity of tissues. II can help prevent fatigue caused by anemia.

and vegetables containing these two powerful antioxidanLs, gae is emerging as one of the world's best-known sources of both beta-careLene and lycopene.

Beta-carotene is used by the body to produce vitamin A. Beta-carotene is one or a

improve skin health. help protect eyesight and balance the adrenal system to enhance energy and stamina.

cse has been identified as having the highest beta-carotene concentration of Vietnam's indigenous fruil and vegetables. ln the FAO

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 Brealtthrouglls In Health 45

Nutritional Snapshot

Beta-carotene

• Beta-caro'ene, found In plants. is a precursor 01 vitamin A The body converts bela-carotene to vitamin A.

• It occurs mainly in [wits and vegetables thai are deep yellow. orange or dark green. such as carrots, squash, yams. peaches, apricots. spinach. broccoli, and collard and mustard greens.

• It is an antioxidam, a compound Ihal may prevent cancer-cau5lngsubslances Irom dalilaging DNA. Epidemiologic studies have tiJlked high intake oi foods ricllln beia-caroene and high serum levels 01 the micronutrient 10 a reduced risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer.

Vitamin A

• Vitamin A isfollnd in leocs and is necessary for human health.

• Besides gac, vitarnin A is found in liver; dairy products wilh fat. such as milk. cheese, butter and Ice cream; and in falty fisl1 including 11Bmng, sardines and tuna. II can also te found in the liver oils 01 shark. cod and hallbul.

• Vitamin A is known 10 playa part in cell dillerential ion. a process by which cells "mature." Oilferenliation helps prevent inappropriate growlh. sLich as the uncontrolled cell growth Iha! is seen in cancer.

• Many sluuies in animals snow Ural vitamin A and similar compounds decrease the incidence 01 cancer.

Lycopene

• lycopene is an open-chain. unsaturated carotenoid thai imparts red color 10 tomatoes, gllava. rosehip. watermelon, pink grapefruit and gac

• Lycopene is a proven anlioxidant possessing the ability 10 neutralize Iree radicals Ihal may damage me bOdy's cells.

• In the body. Iycopene is deposiled in Ihe liver. lungs. proslate gland. colon and skin Its concanranon in body tissues lends 10 be higher Ihall all omer cal otenes and caroienods.

study, which appeared in the May 2002 issue of The American Journal of Clinical

utrition, a team of researchers from the University of California-Davis. led by Dr. Le Vuong. evaluated the beta-carotene-rich rice preparation xoi gac as a source of provitamin A. lhe precursor for vitamin A, for children in rural Vietnam.

The study included 185 preschoolers participating in the 3D-day controlled-sup-

• Numerous studies have shOWJ'llhalllign intake ot lycopene-conlaining vegetables is inversely associated with Ihe incidence Of certain types of canes For example. habitual intake of tomato products has been inversely associale;' with the risk 01 cancer cr Ihe digestive tract. Se~eral olher studies show lI1al lycopene consumption improves prostate heallh Bnd reduces the risk 01 prostale cancer. Olher cancers lor which Iycopen~ consumption may be benelicial include lung, bladder. cervix and skin cancers.

• OngOing preliminary rasearcn suggests lnallycopene is associated with reduced risk ot macular degenerative disease. serum lipid oxldalfon, cardiovascular disease and diabetes .

Fatty Acids

• BOdy lat can be divided inlo two categories: Essentiallat and storage fat.

• Fa! is essential for our health and tile essential building blocks of oietaryfals ale fa' ly acids (EFAS).

• EFAs are a key component of a Ileallhy diet and perform vilal functions in OUI bodies.

• Essenliallat is necessary lor normal, Ilcalthy functioning. II is stored in small amounls in bone marrow, organs. central nervous system and muscles.

• When rats are consumed they are broken down inlo latty acids, which are use: lor energy.growlh, development and lmportant cellular components.

• Cerlain essentiallally acids cannot be generated by Ihe body ana must be ingested.

• The two main essenliallal!y acids are omega-6 and omega-3.

• Most 01 us consume more omeqa- 61han omega-3. Omega-3s are importanl lor brain and vision development In Inlan!s and may anect learning. memory and 51 re 5S levels In rou gtl0Ul IIle.

pie mentation trial. Children with low hemoglobin concentrations were assigned to one of three groups: a fruit group. who received xoi gac with 3.5 mg of beta-carotene per serving; a powder group, who received rice mixed with 5 rng synthetic beta-carotene powder; and a control group, who received rice without fortification.

The researchers found that the children receiving the gac supplementation achieved

a significant increase in blood plasma carotene levels. Ln addition, gac impr hemoglobin concentrations of those

low or borderline hemoglobin levels. "~I>\i"1'W micronutrient-rich local fruits and ve~!et<LbI~:t in northern Vietnam have been identified health-promotion potential, and gac Lains the highest levels of beta-carote

at approximately 45 mg or 45,000 IJgll fruil," the researchers 'concluded. "Beta-carr ..

t'

46 BreaUhruullhs ln Healtb VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

m xoi gac is a good source of provitacarotenoids. Severely anemic children rticularly benefit from routine xoi ptian."

here' Lycopene

i fruil is also packed with more times the amount of the poweridant lyccpene than found in any t, induding tomatoes. In a study 'ember 2002 issue of the journal a::.:!::<Ce. Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, from the food color laboratory an-Ei Gen F.F.1. Inc. in Osaka,

lyzed and measured the carot- 0c. including beta-carotene, lycoanthln and beta-cryptoxanthin.

_ -performance liquid chroma togdiscovered the concentration of gac-seed membrane was abouL than that in known Iycopenevegetables. They concluded that a new and potentially valuable

opene,"

r tudy, appearing in the Nov. e or Journal of Agricultural and stry. researchers reported that mene concentration in gac was amount of lycopene found in

ne research was conducted by rtment of Agriculture,

reo Recent e sts that help pre-

han any .,.....,·~-·ds. which cant for heart I)' published

in their body fat were half as likely to suffer a heart attack as those with the least amount of lycopene in their body fat.

or on the Importance of Caretonoids

As already stated. beta-carotene and lycopene, which give certain fruits and vegetables their bright colors (including gac). are called carotenoids. Carotenoids play another important role: They are the human body's first line of defense and protect other antioxidants like vitamins C and E from sustaining damaging hits from free radicals. In fact, a typical carotenoid molecule can sustain more than 20 free radical hils before it's destroyed. In essence,carotenoids protect the antioxidant network.

Lester Packer, Ph, D .. professor and senior researcher at the University of California at Berkley and author of a number of books about antioxidants,

including The Antioxidant Miracle (Wiley, 1999). says carotenoid antioxidants are a good indicator of overall antioxidant status. "Carotenoid antioxidant molecules travel in groups, or networks," Dr. Packer says. "Since carotenoids are delivered to tissues by LDL circulating in the blood, their concentrations are correlated with the amounts of the other fat-soluble antioxidants in the body. Therefore, increased levels of carotenoids reflect overall levels of antioxidant defense and diminished oxidative stress,"

The Importance of Antioxidants

It's hard to underestimate lhe importance of oxygen.

Without it. we die. And yet, it can also contribute to illness, It's one of the great paradoxes.

Oxidative stress, damage caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radi-

cals and peroxides, is implicated in a number of diseases and conditions thaL plague us. Our bodies are continuously faced with trying to balance the need

for oxygen with the rate of oxidative damage. These diseases are

among the many affected by oxidative stress:

• Alzheimer's disease

• Autoimmune diseases

• Cancer

• Cardiovascular disease

• Diabetes

• Iron overload

• Macular degeneration

• Multiple sclerosis

• Muscular dystrophy

• Pancreatitis

• Parkinson's disease

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Segmental progeria disorders (when children age prematurely)

Bre.kthroughs III Health 47

A Chief CulprIt

One of the ch ief causes of oxidat ive damage is pollution. Consider these two recent studies:

One of the largest studies of its kind found that women breathing polluted city air were at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study involved almost 66.000 women between 50 and 79 who were monitored for nine years as part of the \Vomen's Health Initiative. a major U. . inve tigation into the causes of heart disease in women.

The results, appearing in the February 2007 issue of The New Englond Journal of Medicine, suggest lhat-for older women at least-fine particulates in the air are far more hazardous than previously thought. In the study, po !lution was assessed by the average number of particulates, which ranged from 4 micrograms to almost 20 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The risk increased by 76 percent with each ]0 microgram particulate increase. For women living in cities .. however, the risk more than doubled (to 128 percent) with each increase in particulate level.

A previous investigation by the American Cancer Study found a 12 percent increased risk of cardiovascular heart disease with each

10 microgram increase in particulates. The study was conducted among men and women across a range of ages. An unanswered Question posed by the new study is whether women in general. or this particular group of women, are unusually susceptible,

Pollution also adversely affects children.

A study in the Dec. 16, 2006, issue of the medicaL journal The Lancet points out that exposure to industrial chemicals in the environment can damage the brain during fetal development and early childhood, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, attention deficit disorder and mental retardation. (Par more on this study see the accompanying article in this issue, "Industrial Chemicals Impairing Children's Brain Development."!

Antioxidants for Pain Relief

A handful of studies published in the last 10 years suggest that free radicals may also contribute to chronic pain. Left unchecked. free radicals build up in the body and can further damage already injured tissue. An equally small number of studies. lncluding those by Robert Stephens. a professor of physiology and cell biology at Ohio State University. suggest that antioxidants may

fight chronic pain by helping the body I break down free radicals.

Environmental Protection

Dr. Packer says there are thousands studies ccnfirrning that antioxidants ca help prevent numerous diseases and will nt only enhance life. but in all probability exte it. t the National Library of Medicine's National Institutes of Health's Web site. it PubMed search engine returns more th 15,000 hits when "antioxidants and disease is typed into the search box.

Packer says the public's increasing inter in healthy lifestyles and healthy aging h led to heightened awareness of antioxidan food supplements. "The development of tech nologles for the study of free radicals and ant oxidants has led to many new discoveries," writes in his latest book, Antioxidant Po Supplements in Human Health Academ Press, 2006). "For example .. it is now kno« that antioxidants modulate oxygen and niL gen free radicals. which are important in c signaling. in regulation of metabolism. and pathophysiological processes."

Free radical damage is probably Lhe be known feature of oxidative stress. You've se free radicals in action when you cut an appl The white flesh turns brown as free radica move in. If you put lemon juice on the app when it's cut. you'll witness an antioxida blocking the potential free-radical damage.

Pree radicals are atoms with unpair or odd numbers of electrons with one mi sian-to seek and find their lost mate Unfortunately, they often steal their miss' electron (rom 11 healthy cell. which starts chain reaction that may cause cell dama par icularly to the 0 A, or it may interfe with the cell's metabolism.

While free radicals can come from b things-such as pollution, smoking. ing ing nonnutrilious foods-they can al come from good things, like exercise. whl increases our oxygen use. "Endurance ex cise can increase oxygen utilization from to 20 times over the resting state," repo an article on Rice University's Web 5i

48 Brealrthroughs In Heallb VOLUME2 ISSUE2

[www.rice.edu). "This greaLly increases the generation of free radicals, prompting concern about enhanced damage to muscles and other tissues."

Fortunately. our bodies have a defense system against free-radical damage-anLioxidants, Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. While our bodies continuously produce free radicals, healthy tissues negate these damaging substances and keep their levels in check. It's when free radical production somehow exceeds the body's natural defenses that probterns occur. and a lifetime of oxidative stress

an lead to the general cellular deteriora'Jon associated with aging and degenerative diseases. In fact. researchers have linked this <. cessive production lo diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Besides carotenoids, gac contains a high ~~rcentage of fat-the kind of fat we need, eecifically, gac has high levels of faLly acidund carotenoids called lipocarotenes that

.cilitate the delivery of carotenoids to the cell.

the ov, 12, 2003, Journal of Agricultural nd Food Chemistry, researchers found gac nLained 22 percent fatty acids by weight, Insisting of high concentrations of unsatuted oleic acids (33.7 percent) and linoleic . cids (28.7 percent), and concentrations of

rnitic acid (32 percent).

Fat helps the body absorb Lhe nutrients 'ruits and vegetables. For absorption by ct: human digestive system. the nutrients ;5t bind with fat molecules. Unfortunately, .JSt fruits do not have enough fat content help deliver their fat-soluble nutrients. Leven Shwarts of Ohio State University

.,lains. "Many fruits and vegetables are in beneficial carotenoids, bul most fruits vegetables are virtually fat free. which limit the body's ability to absorb some of

Sf nutrients."

Sul in the case of the gac-which is up to ercenl fat-beLa-carotene and lycopene ighly bioavailable and can be absorbed the bloodstream readily, thanks Lo a ificant amount of oil, vitamin E and

A!

gac

What are Super or Functional Foods?

You may have heard the terms functional food or super foods recently and wonder wha!lhey are. While there is some slight disagleement about whalthey are amollg induslry experts. Ihey are teeds Ihal provide a variety of several nutrients. or foods Ihal provide sigllilicanlfy higller levels 01 one particular nutriennhan olner foods. In essence, a functionallood is one Illal provides benelils beyond basic nutr~ion.

While this is a relatively recem development in Ihe looel induslry. the idea is not new. Hippncrates. often called lhe falher 01 modem medicine. proclaimea centuries ago: "Let toon be thy medicine" For many, Ihe funclionallood has largely come to represent another lorm 01 supplementation. Consumers see the functional food both as a rlorrnalfom!--providing energy and baste nutrients lhal 3rly load might provide-as well as a supplemenllhal onars any number 01 specilic nutrients known to reduce lne risk oj disease or olfer other healHl Oenellts.

An example of a lunclionallood Is orange juice 10 Wllich calcium has been added. In the last iew years the marketplace has seen an explosion in the development 01 many highly specialized ano poteru lonctional toods. ranging Irom energ~ bars and yogurts to meal-reptacement shakes. In lact. a report by Datamonitar. an online database and analysis service, nces U.S. sales ollunctional products reached $18.9 billion in 2004. and annual sales gr(Jwlh averaged 7.2 percent between 1999 and 2004 (ollmr reporrs put the mmners even higher, prooailly due 10 dillerencas in how Ihe category is defirted.)

One category of funcllonal tood that's grown by leaps and boundS in Ihe pasllaw years Is Ihe functional beverage-usually illices Irom a iruit (many exotic. sucn as gael supported by omer huit or vegelable juices. These beverages may also have specihe nutrients added to them, such as amino acids. essential lally acids or minerals. Most 01 mese beverage products are c!esigned 10 function as loods-provide good taste, energy and basic nutrilion--as well as the purportecJ enhanced-health benefits Currenlly, a majority of the beverages boast very higtllevels 01 antioxidant components that help protect againsl chronic diseases such as heart disease. dementia. cancer and arlhritis. Olhers locus their benelits on improving immune function and redUCing inllammation levels in Ihe body

The demand lor lunclionallood is driven by a growing public understanding oune link between uiet and disease. So whether you're looking lor a simple energy boost. a meal replacement sllake, or a nf;W, improved morning juice, funcllonalloods may be your answer.

the essential fatty acids found within the fruit itself.

Research indicates that the bioavailability of the carotenoids in gac, a direct result of its high levels of fatty acids, dramatically exceeds that of synthetic beta-carotene and dark-green, lea.fy vegetables, those generally considered to have the most bioavailable nutrients. In this way. gac both supplies and delivers some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any known fruit,

Then there's the oil. The gac seed membrane is used in traditional Vietnamese medicine to make. a tonic called gilc oil. For

centuries. gac oil has been given to pregnant and lactating women and children to treat dry eyes and night blindness. The rich, nutty oil has also proven worthy in treating wounds, skin infections and burns. and is traditionally given to children to improve their growth.

Once the Word Gets Out

Cae fruit is not yel widely known in the United States-but no doubt will be-especially as more people learn about how it may boost their health. The Vietnamese might not be the only people who call it. "A gift from heaven." BIH

VOWME2 ISSUE 2 Brnkthraulbsln Hellth 49

Ever wonder where nature's "rad" es from? A member of the carotene

carotenoid) famlly-Iycopene-sufses fruits with bright red and orange rs and offers several healthful propes, particularly for men. Research cates thai lycopene-rkh foods and premenls may support fertility, proproslate and heart health, and even Ie cancer

least one study suggests that fruits and tables thal are red or orange in color _ higher in carotenoids than green. leafy _rn,les. Researchers from the Netherlands

stigated the blood carotenoid levels 0 nesian children after consuming varioods, including orange fruits and leafy vegetables. The findings, published in lmel'ican Journal of Clinical Nutrition, __ est that orange fruits in particular offer

areatest ccncentrations of caroteneids, -OOly bela-carotene and lycopene,

5 fairly well known that foods such as es. pink grapefruit and wa ermelon are of nature's best sources of lycopene, But ae last few years. ongoing research has

mstrated that another (Tuit-the gac.

-non to outheast Asia-is another par.arIy rich source of lycopene, Recenl data , lhat, on average, the gae fruit contains 70 limes more lycopene than tomatoes. t's right. 70 times more lycopene than ames .. What's more. if that's not enough, it ars the fruit also boasts up Lo 10 limes the arot ne of carrots or sweet potatoes. let' take a look at the health benefits of

, super ingredient that has scientists and surners alike "seeing red:'

.tate Health

r bably the most well known benefit of ne has to do with the prostate. Tens of sands of men are afflicted every year wiLh gn prostatic hyperplasia (BPI-I). which ibutes to a number of annoying and 'Ie-changing symptoms. Statistics show n the United tales about million men the age of 50 are candidates for treat. for BPH.

Because of the increasing age of baby boomer men everywhere, prostate healthparticularly, prostate cancer-looms larger every year. Simply stated, prostate cancer is a highly prevalent disease. ln 2005, more than 230,000 men were diagnosed with the cancer.

subject. It's a fact that men in general are less likely than women to seek help ior any health problem Or symptom. and prostate health is an area that is particularly neglected. Bul celebrities and public figures are. endeavoring to change that. Former NFL star quarterback

Lycopene and other carotenoids were able to slow breast cancer cell progression by inhibiting estrogen signaling.

and more than 30,000 of those died of iL. The American Cancer SOCiety reports from 2005 that one in six men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, and one in 33 will die of it. It's the 0.2 cancer killer among men.

While knowledge of prostate disorders is increasing, it still is somewhat of a "taboo"

Joe Theismann has recently begun working to increase public awareness of conditions related to the prostate.

Fortunately, the science and health worlds are discovering that nutritional interventions can have a significant impact on prostate health. According to various studies, includ-

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 BreaktluDughs In Heallb 13

ing 2004 research published in the Archiues of Biochemistry and Biophysics, lycopene can help prevent and reverse the symptoms of BPH. A 2005 study from Brazilian scientists found that daily consumption of tomato paste for 10 weeks reduced PSA levels (a marker both for BPH and prostate cancer) in subjects suffering from BPH. The researchers stated that the PSA levels were reduced "probably as a resulL of the high amount of lycopene."

A 2004 study in The Journal of Nutrition shows that processed tomato products reduce the risk of prostate cancer, with lycopene being the most likely phytonutrlent causing this effect. Several other studies support lhis

Infertility

10 35 to 50 percent of all infertility cas male infertility is the primary fact r in con ception difficulties, which occur in about 1 percent of American couples. Sperm healt is obviously a key factor in male fertility, a lycopene, as an antioxidant, may help

tain semen quality. Armand Zini, M.D., McGill University in Montreal. addressed issue during a recent meeting of the

Dietetic Association (ADA). He reported oxidative damage is linked to male

as are low levels of lycopene in the Zjnj's research isn't the first to this correlation. A 1996 study appearing the Archil es of Andrology revealed a

., ,

.. '"

,.. .

It. . • !

"I • •

Finnish researchers found a correlation between reduced plasma Iycopene concentrations and heart disease in men.

notion. including research from Australian scientists, who found that fruits and vegetables rich in lycopene and other carotenoids may protect against prostate cancer. I n a 2005 issue of the International Journal of Cancer, the Australians reported a reduced risk of prostate cancer in men with higher intakes of lvcopene and other carotenoids.

When it comes to lycopene's direct effect on prostate cancer, the results are mixed. But some studies have indicated that Iycopene consumption may inhibit the growth and activity of prostatic tumors, A 2002 study from a Wayne State University research team found that supplementation with a tomato-lycopene extract lowered PSA levels and reduced tumor sizes in subjects recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Finally, researchers from he University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently published a report suggesting that certain compounds-metabolites-of lycopene, which the researchers dubbed "lvcopenoids." could work synergistically with lycopene to produce the prostate-friendly effects,

tion between dietary antioxidants and fertility and showed reduced seminal pene levels in infertile subjects.

The good news is that increased lycclpell14 consumption may increase semen h"".~n'"'''' levels, thereby improving sperm health. and others have suggested this pcssibi ity. A study from lndia indicated that, a three months of lycopene supptementationl participants exhibited significant i""',"r",uoJ ments in sperm concentration. motili and morphology.

Cancer

We've already discussed the potentia I lycopene for preventing prostate cance Several studies suggest that both the g(c and lycopene may provide benefits for cancers, as well. The following is a brief view of the b ely of research dernonstr lycopene' anti-cancer benefits:

Breast Cancer: Several studies 2006 strongly suggest that lycopene effectively reduce the risk of, and direct slow the progression of, breast cancer.Ital

hers found that lycopene consumption d the growth of breast cancer cells, and surmised that lycopene may be involved intercellular communication process uy uses to combat cancer. Another

~ ublished in Breast Cancer Research reatment demon trated that lycopene er carotenoids were able to slow

cancer cell progression by inhibiting n signaling.

leal Cancer: An early study eX31l1- e levels of differenl carotenoids, ng lycopene, in cervical ti sues from 87 women subjects (27 can- 33 precancerous and 21 nnncancermen with cancer had lower levels of

e and other carotenoids compared - and noncancerous women. 0 her nvolving cervical cancer patients

c .. ncerous subjects demonstrated Iycopene was found to be signifiIU in cancerous patients. FinaJly. blished in utriiion and Cancer, lved 32 women with cervical can-

I. noncancerous women, measured evels in the blood. The findings vomen with higher levels of blood have one-third less chance o( devel-

c Cancers: Several studies have ~'"l:!:"::stra1e,d lycepene's potential for reducof various gastrointestinal caning those of the liver, colon and

Findings lrorn a 2005 rudy pubThe Journal of Nutrition showed e both slowed the migration of ~resslve metastatic liver cancer _mfica.nlly restricted he invading those cells. The researcher also -_--, that lycopene's anti-metastasis

pn: bl)' due to the stimulation of 11

atic cancer in men. According ...£:3UliUl researchers, whose research

a:2 05 i sue or The Journal of o and omate-eased products e may lower pancreatic cancer I percent

OralfThroat Cancer: Research published in a 2004 issue of theloumal of the American College of Nutrition indicates that lycopene reduces the risk of death in patients suf fring

can reduce the risk of cardiovascular condlLions. A British research team published their findings regarding lycopene and other carotenoids in a 2003 issue of the European

On average, the gac fruit contains up to 70 times more Iycopene than tomatoes.

a second bout of oral cavity, pharynx or larynx cancers. The findings suggest that plasma lycopene levels were inversely related to mortality in the total population.

Journal afClinical Nutrition. The researchers found that supplementation with a carotenoid mixture Including lycopene for three weeks lessened oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (a primary contributor to heart disease) and significantly lowered triglyceride levels .

Research reported in a 2004 issue of Stroke showed that higher plasma levels of lycopene and other carotenoids from fruit and vegetable intake reduce the risk of ischemic str ke.

Heart Health

Obviously, heart health is a top concern among doc ors and health professionals-it's the 0.1 killer of American men and women. Several studies imply Iycopene consumption

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 Breakthroughl In Health 15

It's also known that tomatoes and tomatobased foods protect against cardiovascular disease, probably due to their Iycopene content. den isls from Ohio State University found lha daily servings f tomato-rich foods

igniticantly increased lycopene levels in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Finnish researchers found a correlation between reduced plasma !ycopene con centraLions and heart disease in men. Their study showed that low serum lycopene concentration translate to a higher likelihood of markers indicating the early stages f atherosclerosis. or hardening of the arteries.

Di betes

Data on lycopene and diabetes are mixed, though several studies have shown benefits,

Oxidative damage is linked to male infertility! as are low levels of Iycopene in the semen.

especially involvi ng type 2 diabetics and insuJjn resistance in prediabetks, For instance, a 2005 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher blood levels of carotenoids (including !yeopene) are "associated wilh a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism." Additionally, research published in a 2006 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology concluded that increased consu mption of Iycopene and other carotenoids is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and related conditions in nonsmoking women.

the gac fruit is a newcomer to Western markets; it's relatively unknown to c nsurners in the West. But combining what we kn IV about it with our knowledge of lycopene and other carotenoids leads many to believe lhat the gac has a promising future in the world of health and nutrition. alH

16 Breaktllrougll$'" Healtll IIOLUME 2 ISSU£2

Carotenoids: Health-Friendly Phytonutrients

As menlioned. 1116 gac Iruil boasts an unusually high amounl 01 carotenoidS. incluOing Iycopene a bela-carotene. Wilal exaclly are carolenotos, and why are tlley essential to human heallll?

Carotenoids are a widely distributed group 01 naturally occurring plant pigments, usually in Ihe rt orange and yellow color ranges, There are more than GOO known natural carolenoids. all of them sy meslzed only in plants, Tiley are necessary lor plant growlh and photosynthesis. and are a main diela source 01 bela-carotene (whiCh is later converted to vilamin A) in humans. Increasing research 51101' Ihal carotenoid consumption Is associated with reduced risk 01 several chronic health COnditions, inclu ing some forms 01 cancer. heart disease. and eye degener allort. The loll owing are brief overviews 01 sor of the most beneticial caroterulds:

6eta ·carot.ene: Bela-carotene is one onne orange dyes iound in most green leaves and cal rots, II llie most potent precursor 10 vitamin f., Beta·carOlene is considered a conditIOnally essential nutrient becomes an essential nutrient when Ihe dielary intake 01 rellnol (vitamin A) is less man adequate.

Lutein: Li~e other carotenoios. lutein is found in Ihe red. orange, and yellOW pigments 01 various frUi and vegetables. tulein is found in our retinas. so it is needed tor healthy vision II lowers the risk· cataracts and macular degeneration. AdditiOllCllly. lutein llIay also help to prevent or slow Ihickening the arteries, or amaroscleresis, a major conmbutor 10 cardiovascular disease.

Astaxanlhin: ASlaxanthin is a pewerlul antioxidant. II exllibils strong Iree-rarlical scavenging aCllv,: and protects againsllipid peroxidation and oxidalive damage 01 LOL-cholesterol. cell membranes, eel and tissues. Thus. il may help reduce the fisk of cardiovascular disease. Other research shows it m' be helplullor other degeneralive diseases such as rnacuai degeneratIon, dementia. Parkinson'S disea: and certain iorms of cancer Aslaxanti1in has been tile focus 01 a large and growing number of pee reviewed scientific publicaUons.

Zeaxanthin: Zeaxanlhin is one ollhe 11'10 carotenorls in the retina-lutein is the other Like lutel' rasesrch inrlicates Ihallow levels 01 zsaxam hin are linke(llo eye diseases such as macular deqeneral if: am! cataracts, Other dsta suggests thaI increasing dietary intake (even with supplements) 01 zeaxar Ihin can lower Ihe risk 01 such condilions Also, one sllldy showed lhal zeaxanthin is able 10 indUL apoplosls in neuroblastoma cells. which are involved ill the tormalion at a rare type ul cancer of II nervous system.

Alpha·carotene: Alplla-carolene is one 01 the most abundant carotenoids in Ihe (IIorll1 American diE and like most oirer carotenoids is lound typically in the orange. red and yellow pigmenls in truils ar plants. II is a -provilamin A" compound. one of approximately 50 caroienolcs able to be converted in tli body inlo Ihe aClive lorm 01 vitamin A. Alpha-carotene is a polent amioxidant, and is 1I1OuUht 10 sfimulal cell-to-cell communication. Researchers [lOW believe I hal poor communication between cells may [I one 011118 causes 01 cell overgrowUl, a condit ion Illal cvenlually leads 10 cancer.

Cryploxan 111 in: Also ca lied bela-crYfJlo)(anlllin. this compound Is lou nd in many vegelables an fruits. mainly ill papaya, mango. peaches, oranges.langeril1es. bell peppers, corn. gac and watermelor CryptoKanlllin is a strong antioxidant and prevents oxidative damage to your cells and DNA. Sludit suggesilhat cryploxanthinlllay reduce the risk ollulig cancer and colon cancer. Some scientists belie Ihallhe anti-cancer effeCi is linked to 1I1e antioxidant activity ot cryptoxanlhin. as well as tu a specil gene expression Ihal restricts cells from becoming cancerous. Olher Siudies imlicale Ihal cryploxanlh can reduce the risk ollneumaloid arlhrilis by aboul40 percent