HOW THE GOOD STUFF WORKS

ONE of the key ways our bodies defend our DNA against damage caused by free radicals (which we call oxidative stress if it’s excessive) is by using antioxidant vitamins (in particular A and E) to mop them up and by producing antioxidant enzymes to regulate other important chemical reactions. But this is only part of the story. Many phytochemicals — particularly polyphenols found in a wide range of fruit, vegetables and legumes from berries to broccoli — protect our DNA from toxins and carcinogens by enhancing the natural increase in antioxidant enzymes as and when they are needed.

Many people confuse phytochemicals with antioxidants, but they have very different roles to play in defending our bodies against disease.

In fact, an excess of antioxidant vitamins A and E can actually be harmful to the body. This is because they act directly on free radicals whether they are needed or not (and your body does need a certain amount of free radicals to function healthily).

On the other hand phytochemicals, particularly the polyphenol group, protect our DNA from toxins and carcinogens by enhancing the natural levels of antioxidant enzymes — but only when they are needed. This balancing act helps to regulate and control the optimal level of free radicals in your body.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli contain polyphenols that act in the liver to dampen processes which convert dietary toxins into damaging carcinogens. Polyphenols in tea, herbs and spices help reduce excess inflammation which can lead to cancer.

Other phytochemicals feed the healthy bacteria in the gut and have direct actions to slow the growth of cancer cells, improve tissue repair after exercise and even encourage cartilage and bone regeneration.