Phytonutrients The phytonutrients appear to serve three major functions in the human body: they act as antioxidants; they regulate hormone levels; and they eliminate toxins. The antioxidant properties of the phytonutrients make Reds a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect our bodies against free radical damage that has been associated with degenerative diseases, such as from hardening of the arteries, setting the stage for heart disease, to cancer and premature aging. Phytonutrients also help maintain healthful levels of various hormones, which in turn help keep disease at bay. For example, isoflavones (a type of phytonutrients) which are very similar to natural estrogen may help reduce breast cancer risk by supplanting excess estrogen in the body and thus restoring estrogen levels to the safe zone. Another function of phytonutrients is to detoxify carcinogens which are cancer-causing chemicals and flush them out of the body by attacking "bad" enzymes that activate toxins and increasing production of "good" enzymes that find and detoxify the carcinogens. Hundreds of phytonutrients have been identified and studied. Many of them show tremendous promise as health and healing dynamos. These phytonutrients include carotenoids, flavonoids, lignans, isothiocyanates & indoles, phenols, saponins, sulfides and so on. Carotenoids are naturally-occurring colourful compounds that are abundant as pigments in plants, such as carrots, tomatoes etc. Research suggests that carotenoids have a diverse biological functions, including protecting the integrity of the body's cells from oxidative and free radical damage, enhancing the action of the immune system, activating the expression of genes involved in cell-to-cell communication, and protecting the skin from UV radiation, etc. There are a range of carotenoids, which include alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. Alpha-carotene and beta-carotene are responsible for the red, yellow and orange colours of the fruits and vegetables. Alpha-carotene protects the body against skin, eye, liver and lung damage and has been shown to strongly inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. Beta-carotene acts to screen plant cells from UV light as well as controlling the generation of free radicals resulting from UV exposure. Scientific studies suggest that the body uses up beta-carotene to help fight the effects of UV light on the skin. Lycopene is responsible for the red colour of the tomatoes and rosehips and has been shown to protect against cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids present in the macular region of the retina and are linked to the normal functioning of the macular, which is responsible for vision. They are obtained primarily from dark, leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale. Cryptoxanthin has been associated with a significant reduction in cervical cancer risk. Capsaisin has anti-inflammatory properties which aids in reducing pain sensation. It also helps to prevent the activation of carcinogens. It can be found in hot peppers. Coumarins can be found in cruciferous vegetables, whole grains, citrus, melons, parsley and green tea. They act as anti-cancer activists and blood thinners. Flavonoids are found in most fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, onions, apples, kale, broccoli, grapes, red wine and tea. They act as antioxidants, prevent blood clotting and protect against heart disease, protect veins, lower levels of harmful estrogen and may help prevent cataract. A subgroup of flavonoids, called anthocyanidins, strengthen collagen (used to make skin, tendons and ligaments) and scavenge free radicals in tissue fluids. Flavonoids also help to protect the eyes and nerves from inflammation and damage from diabetes. Additionally, they can aid in improving symptoms of allergy, asthma and arthritis. Ellagic Acid helps to neutralise carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, processed foods and barbecued meats. They are found in strawberries, grapes, raspberries and apples. Glucosinolates can be obtained from cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli. They help to activate enzymes that detoxify the liver, block enzymes that promote tumour growth, particularly in the stomach, oesophagus, lungs, colon and breasts, and regulate white blood cells which protect the immune system. Indoles help to lower levels of harmful estrogen, reducing the risk of estrogen-induced breast cancer, activate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. They can be found in cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, cabbage and broccoli. Isothiocyanates can be found in cruciferous vegetables. They can aid in inducing protective enzymes and suppressing tumour growth. Lignans act as antioxidants and insoluble fibres. Their main sources are from berries and whole grains. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can block or suppress cancerous changes. Lignans are particularly protective against colon cancer and heart disease. Phenols come from almost all fruits, vegetables and grains, as well as green teas. Their roles include acting as antioxidants, preventing blood clots, preventing inflammation and activating enzymes that fight cancer. Saponins are found in tomatoes, spinach, onions and garlic. They help to stimulate the immune system and lower circulating levels of fats. Saponins aid in blocking absorption of dietary cholesterol and excreting it from the body. They may help prevent disease and some cancers. Sulfides (organosulfurs) such as allyl sulfides and diallyl disulfides are found in onions, garlic, leeks, chives and shallots. Their functions include fighting bacterial, viral, and fungal infections; aiding circulation; detoxifying the liver; and lowering blood sugar levels. Sulfides may help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol and fat levels and protect the body against cancer, particularly stomach cancer, by detoxifying carcinogens. Basic Nutrients Besides these phytonutrients, Reds also contains the basic nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. These are the nutrients that we take through food. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are essential in large amounts since they are the building blocks and energy for the body. Vitamins and minerals are essential in minute amounts in the body. They trigger the mechanisms that replenish the building blocks and "ignite" the metabolism to release the energy. They also aid the body in defending itself against harmful substances. Reds is formulated with a range of plant concentrates which provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B, C, E and K, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, sulphur, copper, and others. All these nutrients have their functions in the body. For instance, vitamin A aids in prevention of night blindness and formation of visual purple in the eye; promotes bone growth, teeth development, and reproduction; helps form and maintain healthy skin, hair, mucous membranes; and builds body's resistance to respiratory and other infections. Another example is iron, which helps to stimulate bone-marrow production of haemoglobin, the red-blood-cell pigment that carries oxygen to body cells and form part of several enzymes and proteins in the body. Additional Nutrients Reds has been prepared with additional nutrients to provide us the nutrients that may be lacking in the food that we normally consume. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid & Calcium Ascorbate) is a very important vitamin. It helps to promote healthy capillaries, gums, teeth; aid iron absorption; heal wounds, burns and broken bones; increase calcium absorption; form collagen in connective tissues; aid in adrenal gland function; reduce free-radical production etc. Bioflavonoids are brightly coloured chemical constituents of the pulp and rind of citrus fruits, green pepper, tomatoes and broccoli. They may act as an antioxidant, increase effectiveness of Vitamin C and decrease cholesterol levels. They may also prevent haemorrhoids, nosebleed, menstrual disorders, blood clotting, easy bruising and cataract. Quercitin is one of the bioflavonoids. It may help regulate blood-sugar levels in diabetes and lessen asthma symptoms. D-alpha tocopherol is the most absorbable form of Vitamin E. It aids in promoting normal growth and development, normal red-blood-cell formation and vitamin C recycling. Vitamin E acts as an anti-blood clotting agent and antioxidant to enable the body to better deal with cancer, heart disease, free radicals in the body. It also improves immunity especially in Vitamin E deficient people. Lipoic Acid is a contingent nutrient which helps recycle antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, E, Coenzymes Q10 and Glutathione. It improves ATP synthesis, reduces insulin resistance and improves glucose metabolism. L-Glutathione is an amino acid that acts as an extracellular anti-oxidant, anti-toxin, and deactivator of free radicals. It helps to regulate the immune system, inhibit lipid peroxidation, protect intestinal endothelial cells against oxidative stress and protect the integrity of red blood cells. Lycopene is a carotenoid found in tomatoes. It appears to have protective properties against cancer throughout the digestive tract and prostate cancer. Co-enzyme Q10 acts as a lipid antioxidant. It is a cofactor in several metabolic pathways particularly oxidative respiration. It also improves the energetic of the immune cellular system. A deficiency in Co-enzyme Q10 may cause diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, muscular dystrophy and infection. Zinc is a mineral that functions in antioxidant reactions, maintains normal taste and sense of smell, promotes normal growth and development, aids wound healing, helps synthesise DNA and RNA, promotes cell division, repair and growth. It also boosts immunity in zinc-deficient people. Selenium complements Vitamin E as an efficient antioxidant. It also promotes normal growth and development and stimulates the immune system. Summary Reds is an ideal nutritional boost for every individual who wants to ensure that in one's diet that one has the nutrients and phytonutrients needed for optimum health especially from natural superfoods. It is fortified with key nutrients to enable the body to boost the immune system and protect the body against free radical damages, all which have been associated with degenerative diseases. Reds is designed for both dietary supplements and food applications. Suggested Use Mix 1-3 teaspoons up to 3 times daily of Reds into juice, milk shake, smoothie, salads, dressings or other food. Children ½ to 1 teaspoon daily. Cautions People who are on medication (aspirin, anticoagulant etc) or have any medical condition (pregnant, lactating, liver or kidney problem, gout, iron-overload disease, bleeding etc) need to consult a health care professional before taking the supplement.