The Many Benefits of Beta-Sitosterol

What do flaxseeds, soybeans, peanuts, rice bran, wheat germ and corn oil all have in common? Beta-Sitosterol, a phytochemical which has been shown to be effective in increasing the rate of urinary flow and reducing residual urinary volume in patients with enlarged prostates. But there are many more suspected benefits including reduction of free radicals and DNA damage, reduction of blood cholesterol levels and the risk of atherosclerosis. Beta-Sitosterol is also believed to help fight cancer particularly prostate, breast and colon cancer. That's a good return on consumption of foods rich in this valuable phytophenol.

References:

1. The website Phytochemicals; http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/beta-sitosterol.php

2. The website Drugs.com
http://www.drugs.com/npp/beta-sitosterol.html

Lutein

Lutein is a carotenoid that helps to guard against macular degeneration which can result in blindness. It is found in cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli and brussels sprouts but can also be obtained by eating kiwis, romaine lettuce, spinach or swiss chard. Lutein is also found in egg yolks.

In addition to being beneficial to the health of our eyes lutein is also good for the skin. Both the eyes and the skin share the common feature of being exposed to the environment outside our bodies. The specific benefit lies in lutein's antioxident capacity. Lutein is able to filter blue wavelength light.