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