“HERE WE GO AGAIN- ANOTHER MIRACLE CURE”

Here we go again. In my May 2014 blog (still available in the blog list) we discussed the new omega “discovery”. So, get ready for all the health attributes for the new buzz word in the vitamin marketplace, “POLYPHENOLS”! Polyphenols are a subset of a larger group of “PHYTOCHEMICALS” (compounds that are in plant-based foods and some animal-based foods). They are commonly referred to as antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, organosulfides, etc. Polyphenols can improve digestion issues, weight management difficulties, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cardiovascular diseases. After 50 yrs. of observing and studying food chemistry beware of overly priced isolates.  There are 4,000-25,000 phytochemicals (depending which authority one quotes) of which a few of them (150) have been identified as well as their importance. For example, anthocyanins, astaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, quercetin, resveratrol (blueberries, grapes, veggies, etc.) are the most researched; quercetin being the latest as it relates to the immune system.  They exist in an “orderly complex matrix” of 1,000’s of other unknown factors in our food not as an overly concentrated isolate (alone). Various articles researched warn of hazards associated with isolated forms of nutrients. They always recommended healthy choices of “FOODS” (what a concept-FOOD as the ideal choice). For many who are unable to eat consciously, supplementation is a viable alternative but must be from food concentrates. If one observes animals in the wild…they are not eating isolates. Just some “Food for Thought”.