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SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015
J OEL F UHRMAN , MD
Green vegetables protect the heart
Green leafy vegetables are
superior to other foods in their
nutrient density, and unsurpris-
ingly, greater intake of leafy
greens is associated with
reduced risk of cardiovascular
disease.
Greater consumption of cru-
ciferous vegetables (a family of
vegetables known for their
anti-cancer effects, it includes
many leafy greens such as kale,
cabbage and bok choy), are
similarly associated with lower
risk of death from cardiovascu-
lar disease and from all causes.
Oxidative stress is known to
be a significant contributor to
the development of cardiovas-
cular disease. Our antioxidant
defenses are a combination of
dietary compounds and the
body’s
own
antioxidant
enzymes, and there is evidence
that when we eat cruciferous
vegetables, their phytochemi-
cals signal the body to produce
its own protective antioxidant
enzymes, by activating a pro-
tein called Nrf2.
Nrf2 is a transcription factor,
a protein that can increase or
decrease the expression of cer-
tain genes. Nrf2 works by bind-
ing a specific sequence present
in genes called the antioxidant
response element (ARE).
In the presence of certain
phytochemicals, Nrf2 travels to
the nucleus of the cell to induce
that cell to produce natural
antioxidant enzymes and pro-
tect against inflammation.
Essentially, Nrf2 is a mes-
senger through which benefi-
cial phytochemicals from the
diet turn on the body’s natural
antioxidant and anti-inflamma-
tory protection mechanisms.
For example, one study on
sulforaphane (a phytochemical
found in broccoli) showed that
once activated, Nrf2 suppresses
the activity of adhesion mole-
cules on the endothelial cell
surface to prevent binding of
inflammatory cells and there-
fore retard atherosclerotic
plaque development.
Another study showed that
sulforaphane and other isothio-
cyanates (cruciferous vegetable
phytochemicals), by activating
Nrf2, blocked inflammatory
gene expression and oxidative
stress in endothelial cells
inhibiting aging of the vascular
tree.
Sulforaphane also helps
maintain the integrity of the
blood-brain barrier, a vascular
system that is crucial for prop-
er brain tissue function, via
activation of Nrf2.8 The point
is that cruciferous vegetables
are essential for excellent
health and promotion of maxi-
mum lifespan.
Other phytochemicals that
can activate Nrf2 include
anthocyanins
(found
in
berries), EGCG (found in green
tea) and resveratrol (found in
grapes and peanuts).
Exercise may also activate
Nrf2.
In contrast, smoking sup-
presses the protective actions
of Nrf2; human endothelial
cells exposed to the blood of
FAHS offering hamburgers today
Enjoy hot dogs and ham-
burgers hot off the grill on
today, Feb. 21, from 11 a.m. to
2 p.m., at the Grocery Outlet
parking lot.
Money raised will go to help
provide care for the once-
homeless cats and dogs await-
ing their forever home at the
Florence
Area
Humane
Society's no-kill shelter.
Saturday’s event features
hamburgers for $3, hot dogs
and Polish dogs for $2, and
cheeseburgers for $3.50.
Soda and bottled water are
$1.
In addition, homemade
cookies and scones created by
FAHS volunteers are also
available for 50 cents.
At this month’s event, the
FAHS van will be in the park-
Buy a Burger or Sandwich and
get $3.00 off the Second one!
(Equal or lesser value, elk burgers not included)
Check out our daily $6.95 early bird special
7:00 am to 9:00 am
(Monday through Friday)
smokers compared to non-
smokers showed decreased
Nrf2 expression, reducing
antioxidant defenses.
Not surprising that smoking
and green vegetables have
opposite effects!
Research on phytochemicals
and the protective effects Nrf2
is still in its early stages, and as
we learn more, we can expect
exciting advances in the under-
standing of how phytochemi-
cals work to promote health
and extend lifespan.
Dr. Fuhrman is a New York
Times best-selling author and
board certified family physician
specializing in lifestyle and nutri-
tional medicine.
435 Highway 101
541-902-2449
Toni of Red Rose Catering is
now CATERING to your pets!
•Day Care •Overnight Care
•Weekly and Monthly Service
Open 7am-7pm Daily (after hours available)
24-Hour Caregiver on Site - Licensed and Insured
4370 Hwy. 101 North
In the Florence RV Complex (next to Bi-Mart)
541-590-2466 - Shot Records Required
www.TheSiuslawNews.com
ing lot to accept donations of
food for dogs and cats.
Do your part and
volunteer today
to help support
these local
non-proft
organizations in
our community!
Volunteer•Get involved•Donate
Habitat for Humanity Restore
An opportunity to donate, re-use and recycle building materials,
fi xtures and appliances.
(ReStore 541-997-5834)
PO Box 3302, 2016 Hwy 101, Florence 97439
Helping Hands Coalition
Assisting those in need in our Community. Free Hot Meals Mon-Wed-Fri
11 AM - 2 PM
PO Box 1296 • 1339 Rhododendron Dr., Florence, OR 97439
Call 541-997-5057 to Volunteer
Meals on Wheels and Cafe 60
Meals on Wheels are available to people over the age of 60 who cannot get
out much due to illness or advanced age and who are not eating properly,
regardless of income. Cafe 60 is available for those who prefer to make new
friends in a dining room setting.
1570 Kingwood
PO Box 2313, Florence
541-997-5673
laneseniormeals.org
Peace Harbor Volunteers
Join the Peace Harbor Hospital Volunteers, you will fi nd an area of interest in
a caring organization.
400 9th Street, Florence
541-997-8412 ext. 209
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