saponin http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for saponin Copyright 2008 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:49:07 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/saponin Allergy Relief With Soap Nuts http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-relief-with-soap-nuts http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-relief-with-soap-nuts#comments Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:22:19 +0000 chemical detergentstraditional medical systemnatural surfactantmicro organismfish populationharmless productschina indonesia http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-relief-with-soap-nuts natural surfactant. The fabric gets cleaned as it allows the water enters and dirt gets removed. Soap nuts contain 12% of Saponin approximately.

The ripe soap nuts are brown or golden in color. It is environment friendly to chemical detergent as it uses less water and waste water from washing using soap nuts can be used for watering plants. It can be good alternative to , as these are increasingly unacceptable to consumer for fears of safety of chemicals. In addition soap nut is bio- degradable unlike chemical detergents an important factor for environmentally sensitive consumer.

Environmental degradation is a major concern, ecologist and biologists and other scientist are engage in job of coming with to nature and mankind. Soap nuts being non-toxic and bio-degradable are blessing in disguise. The studies have also reveal that the Saponin in soap nuts helps environment by controlling and combating harmful .

The use of soap nuts for washing, hair wash and as medicinal uses in of Ayurveda in India. The soap nuts are also mentioned Tibetan and Unani Medical system. Use of Soap nuts is recommended in these ancient medical systems for constipation, common cold, pimples, control of dandruff, removing lices from scalp, epilepsy, nausea, eczema and psoriasis.

It has also been used in small doses in enthelmintic and expectorant. Nepal and India people have used the soap nuts for a long time not only for washing but treatment of various medicinal uses, now this is getting popular all over the world.

It is recommended that people with allergy and skin diseases should use the soap nuts for bathing due to its anti- microbial properties. Washing hair help not only beautifully washed hairs but also control dandruff. Soap nuts are very effective for people having allergies as these are mild. The chemical detergents and cleansers such as sodium laureth sulphate and other chemical surfactants can leave skin dry and irritated. This is especially in case of person suffering from eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts gives relief as there are no such chemical and are gentler on body, it is 100% natural, safe and hypoallergenic. People suffering from eczema and psoriasis and other serious skin aliments are advised not to use cleansers.

It is extremely difficult to avoid using cleansers as these are required for personal hygiene and cleanliness. Soap nuts offer the best solution for chemical free detergent that is why soap nut is a key element in Ayurvedic soaps and shampoos. The soap nut cleanser due to property of soap nuts kill disease causing germs thus giving allergy relief, also as there are no toxin, dyes or enzymes makes them an ideal medicine for treatment of allergy. The soap nut cleansers are suitable for either sex or all ages including children.

Global studies on psoriasis and eczema have confirmed that soap nuts help as medicine and reduce the disease, whilst using conventional chemical soaps and cleansers have increase in skin disease.http://www.buysoapnuts.com/store.html]]> Soap Nuts: The Environmental Aspect http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-the-environmental-aspect http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-the-environmental-aspect#comments Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:29:11 +0000 chemical detergentslaundry detergentslaundry detergenthuman atrocitieschemical dyessouth asian countriesartificial fragrances http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-the-environmental-aspect human atrocities.

Day in and day out, we use products which not only harm us but also our Mother Nature by disturbing the balance in the ecosystem. Water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and so many others in the queue are a constant threat to us. A few decades back, it was established that the simple that we use for cleaning our clothes are actually harming us and in the long run destroying our clothes! These detergents contain harmful chemical, dyes and which are left behind in the clothes even after they are washed. These harmful chemicals later percolate into our blood causing various types of diseases. When we try to see from the nature's perspective, we find that the water running away after the clothes are being washed, contain harmful chemicals which disturb the aquatic ecosystem!

However, to give a sigh of relief, there is one natural product that can not only replace these harmful but also protect us and also our precious nature. It is quite possible that you have not heard about this gift that nature has in its store to give us. Soap Nuts, the natural soap grows on trees and has the ability to replace the . Growing on a tree called Sapindus, the soap nut is found in the jungles of India, Indonesia, Nepal and other . They have a natural substance called Saponin which comes out when the soap nut comes in contact with water and enables water to penetrate the fabric of the cloth and clean it.

If we try to speak about the environmental aspect of the soap nut then, it is better to queue them up for an easier and clear understanding.

• 100% vegetable detergent, the soap nut is scentless and is biodegradable and does not compromise with cleaning the cloth.

• People with allergy and skin diseases are advised to use the soap nut for bathing because of the anti-microbial properties of the Saponin.

• Soap nuts are economical and do not come up with any harmful environmental wastes on decomposition.

• The presence of less chemical agents does not pollute the water courses.

These biodegradable soap nuts are non-toxic by nature and do not pose any threat to mankind even in the remote future. However, studies have revealed that the Saponin in the soap nuts can be used for other environmental benefits like combating harmful micro organisms and controlling fish population.

In short we can term soap nuts as a blessing to mankind and we must all strive for making a better use of this wonderful gift given to us by Mother Nature.http://www.BuySoapNuts.com http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html]]> How to Use Soap Nuts http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-soap-nuts http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-soap-nuts#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:15:24 +0000 natural surfactantair tight containertrue soaptoxic dyeslaundry detergentnut shellsnatural pesticide http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-soap-nuts toxic dyes is called a soap nut! Sounds vague, but it is true! Soap nuts are actually the fruit of a tree called Sapindus and have a cleansing property because of the presence of a called Saponin. This Saponin, when it comes in contact with water, cleans the clothes by allowing the water to enter the cloth fabric and remove the dirt. It is eco-friendly and harmless to the environment, as well as having anti microbial properties.

Soap nuts can be used for many purposes. They can be used as or to clean your utensils. They can also be used as a or for cleaning jewelry.

LAUNDRY: Tie 4-6 soap in a muslin bag (provided with most soap nuts orders) and put it in the washing machine load at a desired temperature. You can use the same pouch for 4 to 6 loads of laundry. When the shells become grayish and mushy, they are ready to be replaced and added to your compost. 100 g of soap nuts can be used for approximately 40 loads of laundry.

DISH CLEANER: You can use soap nuts liquid to wash your dishes. To make the liquid, boil 100g of soap nuts in 12 cups (20 l) of water for approximately 30 minutes. Cool the liquid, remove the shells, and your liquid soap is ready! Storing the liquid in an helps it to keep longer. Because there are no added chemicals in soap nuts liquid, it can go bad after some time, depending on the storing conditions. You can use this liquid for washing the dishes or even use 3 tbsp for a large load of laundry.

The liquid soap from the soap nuts can be used for many purposes. It can be used as a shampoo, car wash, pet shampoo or anything that you wash with liquid soap or detergents.

You can also use your soap nuts liquid for cleaning and purifying the fruits and vegetables that you eat. Just soak them in the liquid for 10 minutes and your food is clean and germs free!

Soak your jewelry in the liquid and then rub it with a clean cloth. This will give back the shine and glaze.

Use your soap nuts liquid as a pesticide. Spray the liquid on trees or plants and the insects will be repelled.

Applying the liquid on your scalp can help prevent dandruff. Use the liquid as a shampoo, leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. This process can also help prevent hair loss due to excess chemicals our scalp is exposed to every day.

Soap nuts have been used for centuries in India and Nepal. We are just now beginning to discover the benefits in North America. Soap nuts are the natural choice for an all-purpose cleaner, and an environmentally friendly detergent.http://www.BuySoapNuts.com]]> Soap Nuts and Their Benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-and-their-benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-and-their-benefits#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:57:21 +0000 chemical detergentsnatural surfactantdelicate fabricsthree seedstrunk diameterchina indonesiawarm climate http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-and-their-benefits warm climate. There are nearly 5 to 12 different types across the world. The crushed seeds are used to make soap. In Indonesia it is called "Klerek"

The Sapindus genera of trees are straight cylindrical and have height of 4meters to 5 meters. The tree has life span of nearly 70 years; it can reach a height of 25 meters and of 1-2 meters. It is excellent tree to plant along boulevards. The bark is shinning gray and fairly smooth when the plant is young and dark grey when tree is mature. The fruit which is called soap nut is 1-2 cm in diameter small leathery skinned contains one to . The foliage is used to feed live stock during drought.

Soap nuts contain called Saponin which is used to clean clothes. Saponin cleans cloth by allowing water to enter fabric and removing dirt. The ripe fruit of the tree is golden or brown in color. Soap nuts are alternatively and are environment friendly. Soap nut are safe for washing woolens and other . It can be reused many times by placing few nuts in cotton bag with a wash load.

Soap nuts are used for many medicinal uses. It is also in list of herbs and minerals for Ayurveda, ancient Indian medical system. The Soap nuts are also used in Unani and Tibetan indigenous and century old medical systems. Soap nuts are used as in Ayuvedic shampoos and cleanser also as medicine for eczema and psoriasis. The various uses are as under:

• Soap nuts shell is used as natural and environment friendly detergents. They are odorless. Also the waste water can be reused from irrigation. It is organic, bio-gradable and non polluting cleaning product.

• Being Hypoallergenic, soap nut does not harm hands.

• Soap nut are non soapy and have less suds, this reduces water consumption.

• Being mild detergent it helps maintain color and feel of the fabric.

• De-toxing Food: Soap nuts powder added to warm water can help remove the residual pesticide and chemicals in fruits and vegetables by washing them.

• It can be used washing pets, cars and carpets and other things at home as the waste water can be used for watering garden.

• It is recommended for bathing especially for people with skin disease and allergy.

• It is widely used for washing hair. It prevents dandruff and removing lice.

• Soap nuts solution can be used for cleaning jewelry.

• The saponin from the soap nuts is used in preparation of toothpaste and textile auxiliary.

• Soap nuts powder is added to facial pack to provide delicate cleansing of skin.

• It has been used for curing eczema and psoriasis.

• Soap nuts have also been used as an expectorant and emetic and even for migraine, epilepsy and cholorosis.

• Natural pesticides: Soap nuts are also used as an effective and natural pesticide for plants and repelling insects around the home.

• A contraceptive cream out of Ritha fruit has been recently developed by the Central Drug Research Institute, India

Soap nuts are really multipurpose natural produce in service of mankind and nature.http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html]]> Soap Nuts vs Chemical Laundry Detergents and Soaps http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-vs-chemical-laundry-detergents-and-soaps http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-vs-chemical-laundry-detergents-and-soaps#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:02:22 +0000 laundry detergentswarm tropical regionschemical detergentssodium hypochloriteblessings in disguisetrees of indiasouth east asian countries http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-vs-chemical-laundry-detergents-and-soaps warm tropical regions and are native , Indonesia, Nepal and other . They are easy to use and can be trusted for long term safety from any adverse chemical reactions on the body and nature.

A comparative study of the two can give a clear picture of what soap nuts can offer you in terms of a natural detergent. To begin with we can discuss the harmful effects of the .

CHEMICAL DETERGENTS: These and chemical soaps are made up of chemicals and toxins that may have some long term affects. These effects are listed below:

• The chemicals, dyes and artificial detergents which are used in the laundry detergents are harmful and used for cleaning clothes, these chemicals and dyes stay back within the pores of the fabric even after cleansing. When these clothes are worn, these chemicals come in contact with the body skin and enter into our blood and causes adverse reactions which are harmful to human body. When these toxins are exposed to sunlight, they release vapors giving us an unhealthy air to breath.

• The laundry detergents contain enzymes which are known to cause allergies and dermatitis.

• presents in the detergents cause lung irritation, respiratory reactions, and cardiovascular damage and damage your eye and skin.

• Nonylphenoxy Ethoxylates present in the detergents are responsible for increase in breast and prostate cancer. This particular chemical can also cause infertility and is a key ingredient in declining amphibian population.

• The chemicals in the detergent can cause premature wear and tear of the clothes.

When compared to these drawbacks of the laundry detergents, the soap nuts are actually .

SOAP NUTS: The soap nuts are natural and do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins. They have a natural chemical called Saponin. The Saponin present in high concentration (nearly 10-18%) acts as a natural detergents when comes in contact with water.

• These are 100% organic and bio-degradable.

• They have a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal action which destroys the harmful micro organisms.

• Due to the anti-microbial property, soap nuts are used for bathing and keep the skin smooth and germs free.

• The soap nuts do not cause any allergic affect on the skin because of the absence of enzymes and contains hypo allergic elements which prevent allergy.

• The detergent which goes out as end and waste has the antimicrobial properties which causes cleaning of the drainage and sewer system and thus becomes eco-friendly.

• This anti-microbial and hypo-allergic property of the soap nuts is good for people suffering from eczema and any other skin infection.

• They don't damage the linen fibers and protects color.

• Last but not the least they are re-usable.

Thus, when it comes to create a green and natural world, when it comes to the economical aspect, laundry detergents and the soaps are nowhere to stand in comparison to soap nuts. We need to decide.http://www.BuySoapNuts.com]]> Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) - Nature's Natural Detergent http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-soapnuts-natures-natural-detergent http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-soapnuts-natures-natural-detergent#comments Sat, 03 May 2008 15:20:02 +0000 detergent soaplaundry detergentstubborn stainssapindus mukorossicloth diapersbad odorssaponin http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-soapnuts-natures-natural-detergent
What are Soap Nuts?

Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India and Nepal. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size and ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.

How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?

Soap Nuts contain large quantities of in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.

Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?

Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of . Musty towels and wash cloths, even , come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to , though, such as blood and red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.

What About My Allergies to Soap?

Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our , the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.

How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?

For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:

1. Toss 2 or 3 Soap Nuts in a small Muslim bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.

2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 60 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!

Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?

Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window and glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com

The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?

No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don't worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.

Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation

With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, and prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.

For more information on Soap Nuts and pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/Storefront.bok http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/StoreFront.bok ]]> Support Reproductive Function And Boost Libido With Tribulus Terrestris http://www.artwoo.com/article/support-reproductive-function-and-boost-libido-with-tribulus-terrestris http://www.artwoo.com/article/support-reproductive-function-and-boost-libido-with-tribulus-terrestris#comments Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:15:01 +0000 low testosterone levelincrease testosteronetribulus terrestristestosterone levelsluteinizing hormonepuncture vineplacebo effect http://www.artwoo.com/article/support-reproductive-function-and-boost-libido-with-tribulus-terrestris Tribulus terrestris, as it is properly called, is an herb of South Asian origin that can support reproductive function and boost libido in men and women. It does so by increasing levels of the pituitary hormone LH (), otherwise known as Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GNRH1), which is responsible for the initiation of testosterone.

Known by the Sanskrit name `gokshurma' it has been used as a tonic and aphrodisiac in India and other areas round the subcontinent. It began to be used commonly in Eastern Europe in the 1970s to increase the sex drive, and its use in this respect has spread to most of the western world. Also known as the `' (the bane of cyclists!), tribulus has been used at least since ancient Greek times for the treatment of many conditions such as headache, urinary problems and sexual dysfunction. In the Far East it has been used for many purposes including liver and heart conditions.

Although scientific evidence for these effects is low, those that use it claim significant improvements in their libido, and a loss of sexual impulse when they stop taking it. This is more than a and many claim that the medical investigations have been carried out less than adequately due to the potential social rather than medical applications of the herb. However, there is tenuous evidence that it may affect the brain cells in the hypothalamus responsible for the release of testosterone into the body.

In fact close study of these results indicates that they might well be supporting the claims made by the users of tribulus. What they show is that can be increased by 30% - 50% above base levels, but still within normal levels, and the argument being in that case that it does not above normal. Now 50% is a big increase, and if someone with a is brought back to normal by use of this herb extract, then surely that is an argument for its success with such people. Nobody wants any more than their fair share of testosterone, unless they are body-building athletes wanting to cheat!

In addition, the opponents of tribulus make great play of the fact that it does not increase the testosterone levels in most young men. It should be pretty obvious that most young men are full of testosterone, and their levels only need supplemented as they grow older. The major of users of libido enhancing drugs are in the older age groups, so while it is claimed that the scientific evidence for its effectiveness is low, it can be argued that for those that need it, there is a very strong argument indeed for its use.

Unknown to most men, testosterone is also the major hormone that governs women's libido, and after that the most important is estradiol. Testosterone is produced in small but significant quantities by the ovaries until the menopause, after which its production is continued by the adrenal glands in the majority of women. That is why most, but not all, women maintain a sex drive after the menopause when there is no biological need for it in relation to procreation. This proves, however, that testosterone production with women is essential for their libido, and tribulus terrestris is said to increase the production of the fore-mentioned LH in women.

The active ingredients of tribulus have been proved by various spectroscopic analytical techniques (IR, NMR and MS) to be four furostanol saponins: two protodioscins, and two prototribestins, the protodioscin being generally regarded as the most prevalent and important. This is a hormone related to DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone that is a prohormone for the sex steroids. Some argue that it has little effect on the sex drive other than provided by ginseng, although the two are active through different biochemical pathways.

It is important, then, that tribulus supplements be sourced carefully, since many have been shown to contain no protodioscin. In fact may companies have never heard of protodioscin and have no idea whether it is in their product or not. That is why such products must be purchased from reputable natural health food outlets and not supermarkets or even some multinational companies that sell by the name and not their knowledge of the product. This is true not only of Tribulus, but also of many other supplements, the biological pathways of which the public generally have little knowledge.

There is Tribulus Terrestri extract on sale today from many outlets that contain zero percent protodioscin that has been proved scientifically to be the active ingredient. Without protodioscin a tribulus supplement is worth nothing and will do nothing for your sex drive. Always check the bottle or tub for the protodioscin content. You might as well buy Scotch malt whisky without the alcohol.

The dosage of the supplement can be from 80 =96 1500 mg (milligrams) daily, but this really means nothing. It is important, like any supplement, that it is standardized to the equivalent content of the active ingredient that can stated in terms of saponins or of protodioscin, depending on which brand you purchase. 250 -500 mg at 40% saponin content is a reasonable dosage to start with, but this can be reduced or increased according to the effect.

Too many websites have the same information that indicates few have any original knowledge because they all copy each other. Ignore any information that is not provided on the basis of the active ingredients: as stated, these are saponins or protodioscin (both are basically the same information). Purchase and test the effectiveness of your dosage on the basis of a standardized active content. Hence, 500 mg of 20% saponins or protodioscin is the same strength as 250 mg of a 40% extract.

Although medical research on tribulus terrestris is sparse, what there is indicates that it can support reproductive function and boost the libido of those with a deficiency in testosterone production by up to 50%, and that is something that older men and women would truly appreciate!

There are no known side-effects, though pregnant women should refer to their doctor. However, make sure that you purchase your supply from a reputable online or offline health food or supplement supplier since most supermarkets and chain stores do not know what they are selling. Some tribulus supplements have no active ingredient at all! More information can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of Standardized tribulus can be found. ]]> Getting A Handle On Antioxidants (A Color Guide For Selecting Foods By Specific Antioxidant Groups) http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-a-handle-on-antioxidants-a-color-guide-for-selecting-foods-by-specific-antioxidant-groups http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-a-handle-on-antioxidants-a-color-guide-for-selecting-foods-by-specific-antioxidant-groups#comments Sun, 03 Dec 2006 12:27:09 +0000 antioxidant enzymesoxidative stresshealth benefitsantioxidantssources of dietary fibernutrientsbeneficial http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-a-handle-on-antioxidants-a-color-guide-for-selecting-foods-by-specific-antioxidant-groups nutrients, not commonly understood for their , seem to be popping up on our grocer's shelves every day. Omega fatty acids, newly defined , and antioxidant phytochemicals are examples of healthful plant elements that are creeping into public media reports and water-cooler debates.

Laboratory and preliminary human clinical studies are revealing anti-disease properties of these "nutrients." Extensive food and medical research underway presently will eventually translate the chemical properties into consumer understanding and terminology that we'll grasp and use in everyday conversation.

With such potential significance to public health, the consumer education process should begin now in a way that people, from teenagers to grandparents, can readily understand as easily as we now understand calories, carbohydrates, fat percentage, and vitamin C.

The scientific and regulatory bodies for food labeling have a great challenge ahead of them. There are thousands of plant food sources with suspected health benefits with complicated chemical names that are unfamiliar and can be intimidating. The challenge at hand is to decipher this blizzard of names and to promote better nutrition for our families and for ourselves.

Why Antioxidants?

The antioxidant chemicals that we get from colorful plant foods represent our best defense against threatening oxidants. While is a normal part of cellular metabolism that occurs even in healthy people, left unchecked, it can lead to damage that accumulates with age.

Normally, oxidative species or "free radicals" are neutralized by and food-derived antioxidants. However, the following circumstances can cause an imbalanced oxidant-antioxidant relationship that allows oxidative stress to go unopposed. •Contamination by environmental conditions like pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides •Normal aging •Poor diets that lack essential nutrients and phytochemicals The result of this imbalance is cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases like: •Cancer •Hypertension •Diabetes •Chronic inflammation •Neuronal degeneration like Alzheimer's disease



The Color Code for Antioxidants

Over the past five years, we have begun a valuable process for recognizing plant food antioxidant qualities by groupings of color--The Color Code, as written in two books entitled The Color Code and What Color is Your Diet? (publication information below).

The following is a summary of those color guides for antioxidants, and an example of how we can begin to classify and categorize the different antioxidants into the food color code.

Summary of the Color Code

This is a general scheme of example foods that can fit into each color class. Keep in mind that there are no firm lines between the classes, which allows for overlap.

1. Red -- tomato, pink grapefruit, watermelon 2. Blue/Red/Purple/Black (BRPB) -- blueberry, cherry, prune, blackberry 3. Orange/Yellow -- carrot, pumpkin, orange, papaya 4. Green -- broccoli, kale, spinach, pea 5. White -- garlic, onion, cabbage, turnip 6. Brown/Gray -- spices, nuts, seeds, endogenous sources

How to Apply the Color Code Here's a general breakdown of the color groups that have food chemicals with antioxidant qualities:

1.Enzymes (Brown/Gray) A protein substance with a name ending in "ase", enzymes stimulate biochemical reactions in living cells and help form new compounds that, in this case, would serve antioxidant functions. Members of this enzyme class of antioxidants include: •Superoxide dismutase •Catalases •Reductases •Peroxidases •Transferases

2.Vitamins (Brown/Gray) Most consumers would already recognize the three main antioxidant vitamins--A, C and E--that are derived from food and supplements common to the public. Vitamins A and E are fat-soluble, providing antioxidant protection in cell structures like the outer membrane and inner nuclear organelles. Vitamin C dissolves readily in body water compartments, so it is well distributed in the body. Of particular note is the important role of vitamin C in protecting vitamins A and E from damaging oxidative free radicals.

3.Phenolics (BRPB) With more than 8,000 individual chemicals that serve plants as pigments, the phenolics (also called phenols or polyphenols) are water-soluble acids that not only give plants colors, but also differentiate scents, tastes, and bitterness. The large class of phenolics (called flavonoids) is often mentioned in current public media. Quercetin, kaempferol and peonidin are examples of flavonoids that have been in the news recently.

4.Carotenoids (Orange/Yellow, Red) A fat-soluble group of more than 600 individual chemicals, the carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin "zee-a-zan-thin") are especially powerful antioxidants. Due to their chemical structure, they are an excellent source of electrons that are aggressively sought by oxidative free radicals. A carotenoid molecule donates electrons to a free radical, sacrificing itself in antioxidant defense. Terpenes and xanthophylls are included in this class.

5.Hormones (Brown/Gray) A growing field of medical research is identifying normal hormones typically described with cell-to-cell messaging roles in the body as having antioxidant functions. Presently only a few hormones have this identified property such as melatonin, estradiol and insulin, but future research will likely unravel similar functions for the dozens of hormones known in human physiology.

6.Minerals (All colors) Minerals have elements that enable enzyme activity. Selenium, zinc, manganese, magnesium and copper are minerals involved in hundreds of antioxidant roles in the body.

7.Glutathione (Brown/Gray) Probably the human body's single most important native antioxidant, glutathione is a water-soluble molecule synthesized from food-derived amino acids. It also depends on lipoic acid (below) for synthesis.

8.Lipid effectors (Orange/Yellow) Lipoic acid is perhaps the "perfect" antioxidant because it is a small powerful molecule that dissolves readily both in fatty layers of cells and in water -- the only antioxidant to do this. Other lipid oriented antioxidants include omega fatty acids, tocopherols (like vitamin E), phytosterols, perillyl alcohol and essential oils such as limonene.

9.Saponins, steroids and stilbenes (Green, BRPB) Related in this discussion only by their common first letter "s", this group has established antioxidant functions and includes some well-known chemicals such as resveratrol (a stilbene of red wine and dark grapes), brassinosteroid (the growth regulator of plants) and saponin (the waxy covering on plant leaves).

10.Sulfur-containing chemicals (Green, White) Including organosulfides, tri and diallyl sulfides and sulforaphane, this group from plants like broccoli and cabbage has been shown to have properties affecting antioxidant enzyme activity, inflammatory mediators and tumor growth.

Proposing an Antioxidant Nomenclature

Just as vitamins have been given a nominal identity (Vitamin A, B, C...etc) so too should we refer to antioxidants. This is a new system not yet formally proposed to any regulatory authority or scientific body. Classification of antioxidants must undergo the scrutiny, revision and adoption by scientists, industry and government to be acceptable for food label use in the public.

Here is the proposed breakdown:

1. Antioxidant C -- carotenoids 2. Antioxidant E -- enzymes 3. Antioxidant G -- glutathione 4. Antioxidant H -- hormones 5. Antioxidant L -- lipid-associated chemicals 6. Antioxidant M -- minerals 7. Antioxidant P -- phenolics 8. Antioxidant S -- saponins, steroids, stilbenes, sulfurs 9. Antioxidant V -- vitamins

Over time, the public must feel these proposed antioxidant classes are informative and practical for understanding antioxidants and choosing preferred foods. Time will tell, but this list gives us a simple working structure to get a handle on naming antioxidants.

Reading * Heber D. What Color Is Your Diet? HarperCollins, New York, 2001. * Joseph JA, Nadeau DA, Underwood A. The Color Code, Hyperion, New York, 2002. * Lee J, Koo N, Min DB. Reactive oxygen species, aging, and antioxidative nutraceuticals. Compreh. Rev. Food Sci. Food Safety 3:21-33, 2004. Copyright 2006 Berry Health Inc. Dr. Paul Gross is a scientist and expert on cardiovascular and brain physiology. A published researcher, Gross recently completed a book on the Chinese wolfberry and has begun another on antioxidant berries. Gross is founder of Berry Health Inc, a developer of nutritional, berry-based supplements. For more information, visit http://www.berrywiseonline.com ]]>