fatty acid and is found in flaxseed oil, fish liver oil and fish oil. This substance strengthens the immune system, may prevent cancer, reduces inflammation, and is known to be helpful for arthritis the patients. Alpha Lipoic Acid Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant Medicinal Value sulfur-containing compound and has been classified as a coenzyme. It is found in Brewer's yeast, spinach, car of rots, yams, broccoli, and red potatoes. In conjunction with four B vitamins it functions to maintain proper metabo Plant Food lism of fats, proteins, and carbohy drates for energy. Lipoic acid may pre by Alicia McWatters, Ph.D., GNG vent degenerative diseases such as New Mexico cataracts, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis and is considered one of the best treatments for diabetes. It is also a ver the past three decades, While we've always known that eat chelating agent and as such binds to scientists have done exten ing our vegetables was the right thing toxic metals and removes them from O sive research on the chem to do, we now have even more incen the body. It may additionally prevent ical components contained in a variety tive to eat them and to serve them to damage from radiation. of plant foods, such as fruits, vegeta our birds. It is very important to eat at bles, grains, legumes, see9s and nuts. In least 3-5 servings of vegetables per day Bioflavonoids doing so, they've gleaned a vast and 2-4 servings of fruit per day. This Bioflavonoids include hesperidin, amount of information on their medici advice is no less important to heed quercetin, rutin, and catechin and they nal value. when it comes to feeding your birds. are sometimes referred to as vitamin P. The chemical components that have We know that plant foods can pro Bioflavonoids possess antioxidants been studied in plant foods are often vide our birds and us with outstanding properties and often occur with vita referred to as phytochemicals - phyto nutrition, but these newly found med min C in fruits and vegetables as they means "plant." These remarkable sub icinal substances in plant foods go far work in conjunction with vitamin C to stances have the ability to prevent dis beyond basic nutrition. I will discuss enhance its absorption. ease and heal disease and they may some of the phytochemicals that are Bioflavonoids are found in the pulp produce favorable results for both you beneficial to health and list the foods and white rind just beneath the peel of and your birds. that contain them, beginning with one of my favorites, garlic. citrus fruits, along with cherries, black berries, blueberries, apricots, apples, grapes, peppers, soybeans, garlic, Allicin i~)JJ/~.l~/W buckwheat, and leafy vegetables. Allicin is a substance contained in JOj ~U!>jOOI aso41 uaJ\a be helpful for garlic and is an effective antibiotic, Bioflavonoids may reducing pain, healing bruises, protect 'aUOAJaJ\a JOj ~U!41aWOS antifungal and antiparasitical. Garlic ing the structure of the capillaries, and contains a number of other substances 4s!lqnd aM puelSJapUn have been known to possess antibac that contribute health benefits. Garlic terial properties, aid in the prevention aseald may, in addition to being an antimi of cataracts and cancer, and possibly 'uo!le:l!lqnd S!41 U! crobial, stimulate cancer-fighting cells and assist with the amelioration of help fight viruses. sa>je1S!W Aue PUB nOA jl many other health problems. Garlic can be fed fresh and raw, but in very Capsaicin lsa)jE1S!V\' small amounts due to its potent com Capsaicin is a compound found in position. A garlic extract can be given chili peppers and chili peppers are a as a supplement and added to your member of the Capsicum family. This bird's fresh meals. compound is highly regarded for its ability to lower cholesterol and can Alpha-linolenic Acid alleviate symptoms of sinus conges Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 tion, keeping the air passages clear.
8 May/June 2000 Capsicum can be used to stop bleed Phenols immune system, prevent and amelio ing, aid in digestion, improve circula Phenols also known as phenolic rate cancer, keep the heart healthy, tion, and may neutralize carcinogens acids, are powerful antioxidants that fight infections, and provide many and boost the immune system. are found in potatoes, tomatoes, pep other health-promoting benefits. Ointments that contain capsaicin pers, parsley, squash, yams, celery, You can do a great deal right now relieve arthritic and nerve pain. Many carrots, cabbage, soybeans, flaxseed, to improve your health as well as your birds adore chili peppers. whole grains, fruits, including citrus, birds' health by incorporating healthy some nuts and garlic. Phenols have foods into your diet and theirs. Ellagic Acid antiviral properties and also neutralize Educate yourself and seek profession Ellagic Acid is a plant phenol that certain carcinogens and therefore al advice when needed so that you can helps to counteract carcinogens by guard against cancer. There are more make an informed choice when select blocking the body's production of the than 200 phenolic acid compounds. ing foods to eat and to feed your birds. enzymes that cancer cells need to If you choose foods wisely then you grow, thus preventing the develop and your birds will share good health ment of cancer. This compound can Protease Inhibitors and a longer life. be found in grapes, strawberries, rasp Protease Inhibitors prevent the berries, apples and some nuts. digestion of protein by inhibiting the Alicia McWatters resides in New Mexico action of the enzymes, chymotrypsin with her family, a flock offive pet birds and Indoles and trypsin. Protease inhibitors reduce many animal friends. She bred African grP)'s Indoles are found in plants of the inflammation of arthritis, help normal and Pionus panvts for a number of yea", cruciferous family, i.e., cabbage, healthy cells from becoming cancerous and currently works as a holistic avian nutri Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, mus and have antiviral and antibacterial tional consultant. She can be reached for a tard greens, radishes, bok choy, and potential. Soybeans, chickpeas, kidney private consultation at (505) 281-5168. cauliflower. Indoles are compounds beans, tofu, flaxseeds and oats are Alicia is also the co-author ofthe book, Super that inhibit the growth of cancer. some of the foods that contain these Nutrition for Animals! Birds Too! and the Crucifers also contain brassinin and inhibitors. author of A Guide to a Naturally Healthy sulforaphane. These subst.ances boost Bird. To order call (505) 281-5168. ~ the body's production of the enzymes Pycnogenols (OPCs) that disable potential carcinogens and Pycnogenols (OPCs) are substances then remove them from the system. found in grape seeds and can also be found in peanuts, cranberries, blue Limonene berries, cherries, plums and citrus Magnolia Bird Limonene from oranges, limes and peel. These substances are lemons boost the body's production bioflavonoids, which have a high Farm of enzymes that break down carcino degree of antioxidant activity and may gens and stimulate cancer-destroying be helpful for conditions, such as immune cells. Citrus fruits also contain allergies, arthritis, cardiovascular sys glucarase, which neutralizes carcino tem problems, vision disorders, dia gens and flushes them out of the betes, and stress reduction. body. Limonene is also found in cel ery, cardamom and caraway and fen Terpenes nel seeds. Terpenes help to control choles terol, prevent heart disease and stimu Lycopene late enzymes that prevent carcinogens Lycopene is a carotenoid found in from harming healthy cells. They are red grapefruit, tomatoes, red peppers, found in citrus fruits, such as oranges, red cabbage, watermelon, strawber lemons, grapefruit and tangerines, and ries, raspberries and red grapes. This in cherries. 8990 Cerritos Ave. antioxidant substance protects the Anaheim, CA 92804 body against various forms of cancer. Conclusion (714) 527-3387 The complexity of naturally occur Monoterpenes ring substances in plant foods is 12200 Magnolia Ave. Monoterpenes are potent antioxi astounding. It used to be thought that Riverside, CA 92503 dants that protect the body from can only vitamins, minerals, protein, carbo (909) 278-0878 cer and heart disease. They are found hydrates, fats, and fiber in foods were (closed for vacation, first 2 weeks of August) in citrus fruits and vegetables such as important. We now know that hun OPEN 9 TO 5 DAILY broccoli, parsley, cabbage, cucumber dreds of other substances in foods Closed Sun., Mon. & holidays and carrots. help to boost the efficacy of the
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