Abstract
The paper relates that acai, mangosteen and goji are considered the new superfoods due to their high antioxidant efficacy. This paper presents a discussion on the role of phytonutrients in health care and a more detailed presentation of the role of antioxidants. The paper presents information on mangosteen, acai and goji plants followed by their benefits in disease specific categories.

From the Paper
"Acai, mangosteen and goji are considered the new superfoods due to their high antioxidant efficacy. This paper presents a discussion on the role of phytonutrients in health care and a more detailed presentation of the role of antioxidants. Information on mangosteen, acai and goji plants is presented followed by their benefits in disease specific categories.
"Phytonutrients are naturally occurring chemicals within a plant's structure that have healing attributes (Finsand, 2003; Bliss, 2005; Mindell (n.d.)). For example, the properties within mangosteen, acai and..."

Tags:mangosteen, antioxidant, acai

Abstract
Dietary antioxidant vitamins and death from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women" by Kushi, Folsom, Prineas, Mink, Wu, and Bostick (1996) reports that evidence supports the conclusion that the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) might be important in the development of atherosclerosis and studies indicate that antioxidants may have a role in preventing the development of coronary heart disease. This study provided the opportunity to examine effects of dietary antioxidants related to mortality from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women.

From the Paper
"ANTIOXIDANTS & HEART DISEASE

Introduction
"Dietary antioxidant vitamins and death from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women" by Kushi, Folsom, Prineas, Mink, Wu, and Bostick (1996) reports that evidence supports the conclusion that the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) might be important in the development of atherosclerosis and studies indicate that antioxidants may have a role in preventing the development of coronary heart disease. This study provided the opportunity to examine effects of dietary antioxidants related to mortality from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women.

Oxidized LDL has been found to be present in atherosclerotic plaques and the oxidation of LDL seems to enhance the uptake of ..."

Abstract
This paper discusses the various phytonutrients and their structures contained in the mangosteen, acai and goji berry. Following this, a detailed discussion is provided on how these various phytonutrients can be applied to health issues ranging from cardiovascular disorders to cancer.


Table of Contents:
Definition of Free-Radical/Oxidation and Antioxidant
Phytonutrient Examination
Mangosteen
Acai
Goji
How Antioxidants Work in Relation to Illness
Anti-Aging
Skin Disorders and Allergies
Immune System
Cancer
Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Weight Control
Cholesterol
Synergy

From the Paper
"The primary antioxidants contained in mangosteen are referred to as xanthone that Rothstein (2006) claims are a new classification of antioxidants. Templeman (2003) describes them as stable "six carbon conjugated ring structures" that can be transported from cell to cell and bind to other xanthones. There are over 200 xanthones in nature, with over 37 having been identified within the mangosteen rind alone. Each xanthone has its own specific purpose. For example, gamma mangostin has anti-inflammatory properties and Garcinone E carries anti-tumor properties."

Tags:free-radical, phytonutrients, beta-carotene, pharmacokinetic, vitamins

Abstract
Examines the structure, chemistry and biological activity, focusing on antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties in animal systems.

From the Paper
"Beta Carotene

The carotenoids as a group, and specifically the beta carotenes, are known to serve a variety of functions in living cells. Presented here is an overview of the structure, chemistry, and biological activity of beta carotene, with emphasis on its capacity as an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen in animal systems.

Beta carotene is a member of a class of pigments called carotenoids, which occur naturally in plants and are found as well in animals. A precursor of vitamin A, also called provitamin A, it is found as an orange-red pigment in terrestrial plants, algae and some marine mammals. After purification, it appears as ruby-red crystals, easily oxidized on contact with air, with MP 184 degrees, MW 536.44. It is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, soluble in chloroform, carbon disulfide, ether and benzene. Its ..."

Abstract
The paper describes Alzheimer's disease and the function of vitamins E and C as antioxidants. The paper reveals that clinical studies on the effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on cognitive decline give inconclusive and contradictory results. The paper therefore concludes that primary care practitioners should be cautious in recommending supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C to patients with Alzheimer's. The paper suggests instead that patients should be encouraged to shift to a healthy, natural diet of fruit and vegetables.

Outline:
Objective
Alzheimer's Disease
Antioxidants
Review of Literature
Applications in Nursing

From the Paper
"Mental capabilities gradually decline with increasing age. However, there are certain cases where the decline proceeds very rapidly. This abnormally rapid decline is not part of aging and gives rise to a group of disorders are called dementia. A severe form of dementia characterized by a gradual destruction of certain parts of the brain resulting in a progressively rapid decline in brain functions is the Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's affects certain parts of the brain that is involved in carrying out daily activities. In the process, a person with Alzheimer's loses a large part of his or her memory as well as the ability to reason, make judgments, learn, and communicate."

Tags:cognitive, decline, supplementation, fruits, vegetables

Abstract
This research paper reviews the acute effects of pecan nuts ingestion on plasma levels of nutrients, polyphenols and biomarkers of antioxidant status. It specifically discusses whether, after the consumption of pecans, there is any increase in plasma polyphenol concentration. It also discusses when the peak concentration for polyphenols in plasma occurs, after consumption of a pecan-containing meal. The paper then looks at whether there is there any increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after consumption of pecans. Finally, the paper discusses whether there is any decrease in plasma lipid peroxidation after pecan consumption.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement Of The Problem
Purpose Of The Study
Research Questions
Chapter II
Literature Review
Introduction
Chemistry, Classification And Distribution
Phenolic Acids
Flavonoids
Lignans
Stillbenes
Tannins
Metabolism
Absorption And Bioavailability Of Polyphenols
Deconjunction And Reconjunction Of Polyphenols
Metabolism By Microflora In Colon
Polyphenol Excretion
Polyphenol Content Of Foods
Polyphenol Content Of Nuts, Pecans, & Other Nuts
Biological Effects Of Polyphenols
Analytical Procedure & Findings Of The Study
Assays
Review Of Postprandial Studies And Effect On Plasma Polyphenols

From the Paper
"The diet is abundant in polyphenols, which are micronutrients. Furthermore there is a great deal of evidence, which exists to demonstrate the role polyphenols play in prevention of certain diseases and including cancer. (Manach et al 2004) The amount consumed and absorbed is the factor that determines the effects to health of polyphenols. In making determination of the absorption of polyphenols following food intake there are two studies that are differential in nature and which are conducted on the basis of both direct and indirect proof of polyphenol availability. Plasma concentrations can provide individual or total polyphenols in plasma and can be measured through use of Folin-Ciocaltau (FC) assay. The Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) is a method used for measurement of the ferric reduction ability of plasma. The ferric tripyridytriazine complex at low pH results in reduction to the ferrous form. Test conditions are favorable to the complex reduction and the development of an intense blue color but only when a reductant or antioxidant is present. Linear rates in absorbance changes are noted over a range with antioxidant mixtures that is wide and includes both plasma and solutions that are inclusive of antioxidants."

Tags:nutrients, polyphenols, biomarkers, antioxidant

Abstract
The paper relates that the purpose of the research study is to demonstrate the positive effects of reduction of heart disease risk factors, utilizing a high antioxidant food that is easy to add to an already functional long term low-cholesterol dietary portfolio.
The paper outlines and critiques the methodology of the study, its data analysis and results. The writer of this paper agrees with the results and application of this study, but suggests changes to the methodology and data analysis.

From the Paper
"This work is peer reviewed and empirical. The research problem or question is the previous inability of anti-oxidant supplements to be proven by more than theoretical means to have a positive effect on risk factors for heart disease and related risk factors for it. The work demonstrates that adding a food item with a high level of palatability not only helps as much as adding other high antioxidant or fiber containing supplements or foods. It is therefore inferred that adding strawberries to a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio may improve the utility of cholesterol lowering dietary portfolios in two ways; first by providing a positive change in risk factors for heart disease and by making such a diet more palatable and therefore easier to elicit compliance with. (Jenkins et al. 2008, p. 1636-1637)"

Tags:palatability, antioxidant, fiber, oat, bran, bread, heart, disease, LDL

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the uniquely beneficial health properties that might be associated with the consumption of certain types of chocolate.
The paper first reflects briefly on the history of chocolate as something of importance to cultural and culinary history. The paper then looks at the literature on the subject that reveals that cacao and specifically dark chocolate can be a rich source of flavanoids that promote antioxidant health properties. Next, the paper notes the difficulties in ascertaining the extent of the curative properties of chocolate and further notes that a more highly refined and less commercially treated form of chocolate is necessary to realize the positive health factors related to the cacao bean.

From the Paper
"Chocolate may well be one of the rare consumables that belies the old assumption regarding that which is healthy and that which is enjoyable to eat. The conventional logic suggests that these two qualities rarely intersect. However, the larger body of research concerning the intake of cacao indicates that indeed there are uniquely beneficial health properties that might be associated with the consumption of certain types of chocolate, offering justification for further investigation of claims to the point. Before entering into this assessment, it is important to reflect briefly on the history of chocolate as something of importance to cultural and culinary history."

Tags:polyphenols, antioxidants, cocoa

Abstract
This paper examines Alzheimer?s; it?s aetiology and symptoms, in order to question the orthodox and alternative treatments available. It discusses the considered main causes that include zinc, copper, iron and aluminium, as well as including a brief overview of the accepted commonest risk factors. It is concluded by considering and suggesting, that ginkgo biloba is the main contender as the alternative to orthodox medicine in treating and preventing, Alzheimer?s disease.

Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Chapter 1
An Overview of Alzheimer?s Disease ? Definition, Aetiology and Risk Factors
Associated Structural Abnormalities of AD
Beta Amyloid Plaques (BAPs)
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Risk Factors of AD
Chapter 2 ? The Biometals
The ?Normal? role of Zinc
The Paradoxical Role of Zinc
Iron
Copper
Aluminium
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
The Cholesterol Theory
Chapter Three ? Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba as an Antioxidant and Preventative
Vitamin ?E? and Other Free Radical Scavengers
Chapter Four - The Role of Orthodox Treatments
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), One of the Neurotrophic Factors
Selegiline
Oestrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)
Metal Chelation Therapy
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Chapter Five ? Conclusion

From the Paper
"Copper is another essential trace mineral in the human body; it is a constituent of many enzymes and takes part in the absorption of iron and in melanin formation. Lack of copper may result in anaemia and bone changes. Estimated safe and adequate dietary intake is 1.5-3.0 mg/day for adults, and 0.4-0.6 mg/day for infants (Tortora and Grabowski, 2000). Copper plays a crucial role, with cholesterol, in nutrition and normal brain function. Recent evidence indicates that copper and cholesterol may both be important factors in the aetiology of AD. Sparks et al (2003) explains how trace amounts of copper (0.12 ppm) added to water and given to cholesterol-fed rabbits induced BAP accumulation, including senile plaque-like structures in the hippocampus and temporal lobe."

Tags:acetylcholine, aluminium, antioxidants, beta, copper, dementia, diease, zinc

Abstract
Discussion of this carotenoid. Its beneficial health properties. Implications for health and disease, and role in cancer prevention. Sources of dietary lycopene (tomatoes and tomato products). Studies carried out with lycopene. Overview of lycopene chemistry. Human metabolism & lycopene distribution. Antioxidant and biological effects. Need for further study. Tables, figure.

From the Paper
"I. Lycopene: An introduction and implications for human health and disease.

A. What is lycopene?
Lycopene is the major carotenoid in tomatoes and is responsible for the red color in fruits (Sies and Stahl, 1998). Lycopene is an acyclic carotenoid and belongs to a subgroup of carotenes that consist only of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It has been suggested that lycopene has beneficial health properties, is an antioxidant, and influences the communication between cells and cell growth.

B. Where is it found?
Lycopene is found in relatively few foods, and more than 80 percent of lycopene consumption in the United States comes from tomatoes. It is present in fresh tomatoes, cooked tomatoes ..."