Disease-fighting nutrients

Polysaccharides - a carbohydrate structure that produces a long chain of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen cells. Carbohydrates provide energy in the body and it is the first thing burned when one exercises to lose weight. Without carbohydrates, one would often feel weak, dizzy, and have low blood sugar.

Benefits of polysaccharides?

(1) enhance the mood by increasing the amount of feel-good chemicals in the brain - make people feel happy
(2) support healthy blood sugar levels - important for diabetics - Diabetics should eat these complex carbohydrates instead of simple carbohydrates that enter the bloodstream to quickly and cause an unsafe spike in blood sugar. 
(3) promote cardiovascular health and immunity health and prevent many degenerative diseases like heart disease
(4) liver function improves
(5) fatigue seems to melt away
(6) great effect in the intestine - improves intestinal health, helping to reduce colon cancer, and slowing things down so that the energy is released slowly, stabilising blood sugar
(7) soluble, long-lasting energy and low glycemic index
(8) reducing certain cancer
(9) reduce cholestrol and blood pressure

Where is polysaccharides found?

(1) mushrooms and goji berries - numerous health benefits
(2) certain cereals and grains, such as oats and barley - have these polysaccharides and other nutrients that help stabilize blood sugar and provide many other vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health
(3) aloe vera - extremely beneficial as a soluble fiber for its soothing effects on the GI tract and also has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and tumor inhibiting properties
(4) flaxseeds, chia seeds, psyllium and fenugreek - composed of mucilage and are forms of soluble dietary fiber that when soaked produces a gelatinous texture helpful for promoting regular bowel movements and lubricating the intestinal tract
(5) seaweeds and microalgaes - many of the seaweed and microalgae varieties, like kelp, irish moss and blue green algae have high amounts of structural and sulphated polysaccharides like alginate, lamarin, agarose, fucoidan and carrageenan. Producing viscous compounds, they are highly utilized in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for a number of uses

It is recommended to eat polysaccharides directly since buying supplements can be difficult for the body to digest since they are seen as foreign objects in the body. Food is natural and will be digested properly and will be able to provide the health benefits.


Pectin - an important group of polysaccharides and includes apples, oranges, grapefruit, apricot, bananas, cabbage, and carrots. Soluble fibers found in these polysaccharides provide many health benefits and are a great tool for people trying to lose weight. When people trying to lose weight eat soluble fiber, they go through the digestive system more slowly, keeping the person feeling full longer and keeping cholesterol and blood sugar in check.


Benefits of pectin - can heal wounds, treat diarrhea, and relieve heart burn.

Phytochemicals - plant chemicals that contain disease-preventing compounds are found only in plant food. Research has shown phytochemicals to possess enormous disease-preventing and healing properties as they can protect and nourish the immune system.The more phytochemical-rich plant foods we eat, the lower our risk of chronic disease such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and age-related macular degeneration.

Benefits of phytochemicals?

• Antioxidant - Most phytochemicals have antioxidant activity and protect our cells against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Phytochemicals with antioxidant activity: allyl sulfides (onions, leeks, garlic), carotenoids (fruits, carrots), flavonoids (fruits, vegetables), polyphenols (tea, grapes).
  
• Hormonal action - Isoflavones, found in soy, imitate human estrogens and help to reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.
  
• Stimulation of enzymes - Indoles, which are found in cabbages, stimulate enzymes that make the estrogen less effective and could reduce the risk for breast cancer. Other phytochemicals, which interfere with enzymes, are protease inhibitors (soy and beans), terpenes (citrus fruits and cherries).
  
• Interference with DNA replication - Saponins found in beans interfere with the replication of cell DNA, thereby preventing the multiplication of cancer cells. Capsaicin, found in hot peppers, protects DNA from carcinogens.
  
• Anti-bacterial effect - The phytochemical allicin from garlic has anti-bacterial properties.
  
• Physical action - Some phytochemicals bind physically to cell walls thereby preventing the adhesion of pathogens to human cell walls. Proanthocyanidins are responsible for the anti-adhesion properties of cranberry. Consumption of cranberries will reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and will improve dental health.

Antioxidants - during oxidation, our bodies produce byproducts called "free radicals" - unstable molecules that are also taken in through cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals and excess sunlight. Free radicals can cause damage to cells and DNA, leading to cancer and other degenerative diseases. Antioxidants may slow or even prevent the development of cancer.

Benefits of antioxidants?

(1) Purple, Red, and Blue Grapes - Grapes, especially dark-colored ones, are loaded with phytochemicals, antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Two of those phytochemicals, anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin, may be especially good for your immune system. Grapes also contain vitamin C and selenium.

(2) Blueberries - Recent animal studies suggest that blueberries may help protect cells from damage and lower inflammation. Blueberries contain many of the vitamins and minerals known to strengthen the immune system, along with key phytochemicals that may help protect against cancer and heart disease

(3) Red Berries - Berries, especially raspberries and strawberries, contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that may help protect against cancer-causing agents in the diet and the environment.

(4) Nuts - Nuts are one of the most balanced foods on the planet. They offer a good dose of “healthy” fats along with a smaller amount of protein and carbohydrate. Each type of nut offers a unique profile of minerals, phytochemicals, and types of fat. Walnuts are the highest in plant omega-3s, for example, while Brazil nuts are best for selenium. Most nuts also contain phytochemicals such as resveratrol and plant sterols, which help lower cholesterol.

(5) Dark Green Veggies - Kale, broccoli, spinach and collard greens are members of the esteemed dark green vegetable group. These super veggies are high in nutrients that help fight disease, including vitamins C, E, and A, and calcium. They’re also loaded with magnesium and potassium.These veggies are brimming with antioxidant phytochemicals such as kaempferol, which may help dilate blood vessels and may have cancer-fighting properties. Leeks, lettuce, and kale provide lutein and quercetin, both strong antioxidants.

(6) Sweet Potatoes and Orange Vegetables - Both white and sweet potatoes provide important nutrients such as vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. But sweet potatoes have more of these nutrients. They also bring to the table key nutrients such as calcium and whopping amounts of vitamin A. Other orange vegetables are nutrient-rich and packed with phytochemicals as well. Carrots are famously high in vitamin A, while butternut and acorn squash are tops in vitamins A and C.

(7) Tea - With one sip of tea, you get two potent phytochemicals -- anthocyanin and pro anthocyanin. Both are antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Add to that a healthy dose of catechins, antioxidants that are thought to block cell damage that can lead to cancer.

That’s just the beginning. Green tea, in particular, contributes many other protective phytochemicals. The catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is especially abundant in green tea, is a particularly potent antioxidant.

(8) Whole Grains - Some research has shown that people who eat at least one serving of whole grains a day have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Whole grains deliver zinc and selenium, in addition to phytochemicals thought to help protect against heart disease and cancer.

(9) Beans - The lowly bean is tops in antioxidant activity. It offers an amazing package of nutrients, including many vitamins and minerals. Green soybeans and soy provide vitamin C, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Lentils and black-eyed peas are rich in folate and zinc. Black beans and kidney beans also offer a good amount of folate.

(10) Fish - Fish provides powerful omega-3 fatty acids. Evidence suggests that omega-3s, particularly those coming from fish, may help prevent inflammatory diseases, such as coronary heart disease. Although all fish have some omega-3s, the stars include sardines, salmon, oysters, mackerel, tuna steak, wild rainbow trout, shark steak, albacore tuna, and herring.Fish also offers an essential nutrient that’s hard to find in food: vitamin D.

Credit to:

http://www.ihealthdirectory.com/polysaccharides-benefits/

http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/polysaccharides.html

http://www.phytochemicals.info/

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/10-super-foods#1