(12-12-10) Study shows alpha-carotene from vegetables and fruit dramatically lowers risk of death

by John Phillip, citizen journalist
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(NaturalNews) It will come as no surprise to many health minded individuals
that a natural diet high in vegetables and fruits promotes health and extends
lifespan. Foods saturated with synthetic chemicals, hydrogenated fats, salt and
sugar stress our genetic integrity and result in metabolic chaos. We evolved to
eat a diet packed with nutrients in a natural state and to live in an
environment free of pollutants and man-made toxins. Researchers now show that a
diet high in vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of death from all causes
by up to 39%.

Alpha-Carotene Level Linked with Lower Risk of Death
Alpha-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that we take in largely from eating a
diet high in vegetables and fruits. This nutrient superstar is found
concentrated in the brightly colored skins and flesh of most foods in their
natural form. Information published in the Archives of Internal Medicine
provides the results of a study performed on a group of more than 15,000 men
and women over a period of nearly 18 years. A review of circulating alpha-
carotene in the blood showed a direct correlation between blood saturation of
the nutrient and risk of dying.

Healthy Diet Shown to Reduce All Cause Mortality by 39%
Researchers measured alpha-carotene levels to determine risk of death and
found that those individuals with the highest blood saturation had a 39% lower
risk of dying from any cause compared with the lowest levels. Participants that
consumed the most vegetables and fruits were found to have the highest alpha-
carotene levels, while a processed food diet yielded virtually no measurable
levels of the antioxidant. The study found that alpha-carotene provided a high
degree of protection against cardiovascular disease and cancers of the brain,
liver and skin.

Foods That Increase Alpha-Carotene Levels
Alpha-carotene reduces risk of disease because it is a powerful antioxidant
that neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals on our cells and energy
producing mitochondria. It`s best to consume organic vegetables and fruits as
your primary source of alpha-carotene. You can find rich sources in yellow-
orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and winter squash.
Dark green leafy vegetables including broccoli, green beans and peas, spinach
and leaf lettuce are also excellent sources.

Fruit Shown to Cut Lung Cancer Risk by 23%
The results of a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology,
Biomarkers & Prevention reveals that eating a wide variety of different types
of fruits can lower the risk of lung cancer by as much as 23%. Interestingly,
the study demonstrated that the risk was reduced more by the number of
different fruits consumed and was not dependent on quantities eaten. Eating
from more than eight sub-groups was shown to provide the most protection. Risk
declined by 4% for each additional variety added to the diet.

Research continues to validate the critical importance that proper diet plays
in preventing lifestyle illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Our cells have evolved through generations to rely on carotenoids such as alpha-
carotene for protection from free-radical damage. As health minded individuals,
we are charged with the responsibility to eat from a wide variety of
vegetables, fruits and foods in their natural form to prevent disease and
increase life span.

Article References:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/co...
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...

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