In addition, tocotrienols are powerful substances that have
potent anti-cancer actions, reduce cholesterol and perform other vital
tasks. Too much alpha-tocopherol can interfere with some of these
functions. For example, even moderate amounts, such as 100 IU of
alpha-tocopherol, can block the ability of tocotrienols to control cho-
lesterol.
Unbalanced, isolated high doses of alpha-tocopherol can interfere
with body chemistry in other ways too. They can have a negative
effect on anti-inflammatory chemical production, cause generalized
muscle weakness, lower thyroid hormone levels and slightly increase
fasting triglyceride levels. Like high-dose vitamin C, alpha-toco-
pherol may also become a pro-oxidant — which would be counter-
productive to its antioxidant function.
Phytonutrients
There are thousands of nutritional components in natural foods that
may even be more important than the micronutrients themselves.
Many studies show that a variety of foods can protect us from cancer,
heart disease and other degenerative conditions. While some assume
that specific nutrients such as vitamins are responsible, it is now clear
that other substances may be much more important.
These phytonutrients or phytochemicals are made by plants from
sunlight (via photosynthesis) when grown in good-quality soil. These
substances have been known in clinical research for decades and by
practitioners of old for centuries. Scientists now know there are thou-
sands of these natural chemicals that have potent therapeutic actions.
Some examples of these nutrients are listed in the following table.
Phytonutrients comprise three main groups of plant compounds
that include phenols, terpenes and nitrogen-containing alkaloids.
Some of the names are familiar. I mentioned seven of them above that
are part of the vitamin E complex. Other common phytonutrients
include a group of carotenes (including alpha and beta, and
lycopene), a group of bioflavanoids (including hesperetin and lutein),
isothiocyanates that includes sulforaphan and many others. Don’t be
concerned about remembering all the names, but do remember to
consume a variety of foods — such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and
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