Glucosinolates and Their Role in Our Health

Its becoming widespread knowledge these days that many cancers are preventable or at least the risks reduced with a proper diet and exercise. In recent years the advantages of a diet rich in phytonutrients the beneficial nutrients found in many vegetables and plants - have been increasingly studied and documented as possible cancer-preventing foods. Glucosinolates are a varied group of naturally occurring sulphur compounds found in a number of vegetables and plants.

They are present in the Brassica plants like turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and radishes. Glucosinolates are what gives these cruciferous vegetables named for their cross-shaped leaves - their strong flavour, and also what puts the bite into mustard and horseradish. Glucosinolates have gotten a lot of attention from the alternative medicine and health field, and studies have shown that they can help boost protection against certain cancers like lung, rectal, colon, and stomach.

They work by eliminating cancer-causing toxins and helping destroy cancerous cells. They also aid in detoxifying the liver. Like most vegetables, the concentration and benefits are directly related to how they are prepared. Cooking changes the properties of glucosinolates, so people should eat both raw and cooked vegetables to gain the maximum benefits. Glucosinolates are also available in supplement form for those who dont eat enough plant and vegetable sources.

Each tablet equals approximately two pounds of vegetables per week, although supplements shouldnt replace eating regular servings of vegetables. Although a very high concentration would have to be digested to cause serious injury or death, in concentrated plant forms glucosinolates can be toxic. For instance, a horseradish plant could be poisonous to a small child, and at high amounts they can cause liver, thyroid and kidney problems.

They could be dangerous in high amounts in supplements. The best way to get your glucosinolates is to eat a variety of vegetables and plant products. The recommended daily intake of vegetables and fruits for an adult is five to nine, so vary your diet and enjoy the taste and the health benefits they provide.

Recommended Glucosinolates Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Glucosinolates is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Glucosinolates, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.