Phyto is derived from the ancient Greek word for "plant", and phytochemicals are substances present within the plants that react and interact in complex ways within the body to prevent certain diseases and boost overall health.

Phytochemicals, or phytonutrients, are chemical compounds such as beta-carotene that occur naturally in plants. The term is generally used to refer to those chemicals that may affect health. Some phytochemicals are micronutrients or can be used as therapeutic drugs. While there is strong evidence to support the health benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables, there is only limited evidence to suggest these effects are due to specific phytochemicals

Make your grocery list and be sure to include the following foods:

•Tomatoes- Has shown to decrease the risk of certain cancers and also may even slow the progression of already developed cancers.

•Cruciferous veggies- they include but aren't limited to: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, kale, collard and mustard greens; they are packed with phytochemicals that can prevent various types of cancer.

•Soybeans-been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels, decrease the risk of heart disease, and prevent certain types of cancer. Available in milk, tofu, veggie burgers, cheese, yogurts and tempeh. Contains compound genistein- a type of isoflavone- which appears to prevent cancer and also has shown to revert cancerous cells back to normal.

•Whole grains- include the likes of wheat, oat, quinoa, kamut, spelt, and amaranth to name just a few. The fiber in whole grains plays a critical role in decreasing the risk of colorectal cancer, and also has been shown to prevent and treat a number of chronic diseases.

•Citrus Fruits- these fruits have long been touted as preventative medicine in conditions such as scurvy.

•Greens- dark green, leafy vegetables such as dandelion greens, kale, turnip greens, arugula, spinach, beet greens, and mustard greens.

Nutritional Requirements

Balanced nutritional content includes 32-38. More than these percentages can harm the kidneys of an older ferret. Fat should have 18-25, which should come from animal sources, too. Fibers should have less 3 . Don't forget that simple carbohydrates are more preferred without too much sweet. The starch should be well-cooked. Ash content should be no more than 7% to avoid the formation of kidney stones.

Here are some health ailments that can be easily treated with a simple food and diet remedy:

Allergies. More Americans suffer from allergies than ever before. Perhaps the best remedy for allergies is drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Garlic and cayenne pepper have been used for years, and a good intestinal cleansing has been shown to provide relief.

Constipation. To help constipation, increase your intake of folic acid. Apple pectin can help relieve constipation and add fiber to your diet. Try drinking some ginger tea or yerba mate in tea form. Cod liver oil is a tried and true, but hard to swallow, remedy. Warm dandelion tea also helps.

Cancer. Consuming the trace elements that are plentiful in seafood has been shown to help cancer patients. Broccoli, mustard greens, cabbage and turnips have been recently touted as not only preventative maintenance but perhaps even cures for different types of cancers. Limit your fats.


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