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Disease Prevention
Regular exercise, not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight and a balanced diet play a significant role in disease prevention. But did you know that vitamin and minerals have also been linked to better health. Several recent studies confirm that specific nutrients are linked to the prevention of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and even eye diseases.
Cardiovascular Health
The real heroes in preventing heart disease are lycopene, vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the damage of free radicals in our bodies and help reduce risk.
Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid have been found to reduce high homocysteine levels in the blood, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Reducing Risk of Cancer
The most common types of cancer in Canada are colorectal, prostate, and breast. Researchers believe that vitamin D, folic acid, lycopene, and selenium are important in the prevention of certain cancers.
Vitamin D and folic acid may play a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
The antioxidants selenium and lycopene have been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Adequate intake of vitamin D and folic acid have been linked to a reduction in the incidence of colon cancer.
Warding Off Bone Disease
When it comes to maintaining healthy bones most people know the importance of calcium, but vitamin D also plays a role in preventing osteoporosis.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium.
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
Eye disease, like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, may be prevented by certain antioxidants.
Lutein is an antioxidant found in dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, many fruits, and corn. Studies have linked the daily intake of lutein to the prevention of certain eye diseases.
Long term use of vitamins C and E have also been discovered to lower the risk of unclear vision that often comes with age.
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