Denton County Living Well Magazine March/April 2019 | Page 27

had shown that it protects the skin. When cooking tomatoes, the heat ac- tivates a usable form of lycopenes, but it can destroy other important vitamins such as vitamin C and E. Note: The common carotenoids alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, be- ta-cryptoxanthin are provitamin A carotenoids which can be converted to retinol. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and ly- copene are NON provitamin A carot- enoids and cannot convert to retinol (Oregon State University, 2016). Ca- rotenoids found in the retina are lutein and zeaxanthin. Anthocyanins: Energy boosting compounds found in plant foods. They occur in plants in the form of glyco- sides. While they are abundant in blackberries, blueberries, strawber- ries, red and purple grapes, red wine, and eggplants, you can also find them in black plums and red cabbage. Re- search had shown it lowers the risk of death from cardiovascular disease due to reduction in arterial stiffness and blood pressure. Anthocyanins had been linked to memory enhance- ment and age-related decline of men- tal functioning. Epigallocathecin gallate (EGCG): a catechin found in several teas includ- ing green tea, oolong, and white tea. Green tea is the major source and has several flavonoids including EGCG but this last one is the most significant. From most green tea brands, the one with the highest amount of EGCG is Teav- ana Green Tea Gyokuro with 86 mg. Research has shown protective benefits against cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart dis- ease, and high blood pressure. Berberine: an alkaloid compound that can be extracted from plants in- cluding shrubs called Berberis. It is said to help with blood sugar levels and prevention of metabolic syndrome. It has been used in Chinese medicine for years. Saffronal: not a lot is known about this one but it comes from the famous spice saffron. Research has shown it can help with depression and libido. While companies are marketing me- sonutrients amounts for optimal lev- els and high strength doses, always make sure to consult your healthcare provider first. Julie Alvira, MD, MBA, is a Certified Lif e Coach for men and women but has a passion for women’s recoveries from addictions. Creator of Your Recovery Gal program for women, she is a Nationally Certified Addictions Professional and offers bilingual virtual or in-office sessions. Reach her at www.coachdrjulie.com or via email at [email protected]. DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH/APRIL 2019 25