L-Arginine (Nitric Oxide) and other common nutraceuticals

L-Arginine is a nutraceutical that provides benefitsthat could potentially reduce the risk of breast
specific to the production of nitric oxide and thecancer. Ligans are found mainly in flaxseed and
improvement of blood flow. The naturalrye.
consequences of improved blood flow include less* Indoles - Indoles may also reduce the risk of
stress on the heart which in turn translates intoestrogen related cancers and is found in clumped
the possible reversal of the symptoms of heartvegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower.
disease. L-Arginine, like other nutraceuticals is a* Lycopene - Lycopene is a carotenoid that can
natural compound. Some examples of naturalreduce the risk of a variety of forms of cancer
compounds are vitamins, minerals, omegas, andincluding cancer of the lung, bladder, prostate,
herbal extracts. These natural compounds cancervix and skin. Lycopene is found in red colored
prevent and even cause the reversal of thefruits and vegetables like tomatoes and
progression of some diseases. Nutraceuticalswatermelon.
contain health values that go beyond the actual* Beta-Carotene - This is a nutraceutical that is
nutrients that they contain. This is another way ofmore familiar to people as a cancer fighter and
saying that nutraceuticals contain nutrients thatantioxidant. Beta-carotene is found in carrots,
not only serve their function in providing us withsweet potatoes, and leafy green vegetables.
sustenance but also serve the function of* Lutein - Lutein also reduces the risk of cancer
preventing possible future health problems.but add the benefit of reducing macular
Nutraceuticals also provide financial benefits asdegeneration (loss of eye sight) and
they are typically much less expensive thanatherosclerosis as well. The best sources for
generic prescription drugs and are easier to getLutein are leafy green vegetables.
as, in most cases, they do not require a* Allyl sulfides - These nutraceuticals help to
prescription (there are some nutraceuticals thateliminate toxic compounds that are found in the
require high doses to be effective, so high that itbody. Common foods that contain Allyl sulfides
is illegal for companies to provide them without aare onions, leeks, and scallions.
prescription).* Dithiolthiones - Dithiolthiones work with
However, L-Arginine is not the only nutraceuticalisothiocyanates to detoxify the body by
out there. There are many differentincreasing the activity of beneficial enzymes.
nutraceuticals, most of which you may haveDithiolthiones and isothiocyanates can be found in
heard of before and never realized that theybroccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
were in fact called nutraceuticals. Other* Quercetin - This is an antioxidant that has
nutraceuticals that have been shown to reduceanti-inflamatory and anti-histamine properties.
the risk of a variety of diseases include:There is evidence that is can prevent prostate
* Isoflavones - These are found mainly in soyand other forms of cancer. Quercetin is found in
foods and may reduce the risk of some forms ofred apples and red onions.
cancer.* Vitamin D - Vitamin D has the ability to ward
* Flavonoids - Flavonoids are antioxidants that canoff a wide range of diseases. Vitamin D is found
also protect the body from many types ofin a variety of foods including milk. It is also made
cancer. Flavonoids are present in hundreds ofby our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight.
different compounds. Flavonoids are found veryVitamin D supplementation is often necessary as
commonly in fruits and vegetables but are mostit is difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin D levels
abundant in tomatoes, kale, and onions.from diet and sunlight absorption alone.
* Ligans - Ligans have anti-estrogen properties