What are Phytonutrients?

Eating more fruits and vegetables has been
associated with a decreased risk for chronic
diseases including cardiovascular disease,
cancer and diabetes.

The term “phyto” originates from the Greek word meaning plant. Phytonutrients are natural components of plants thought to offer benefits to health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients. Unlike the basic nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals), phytonutrients are not “essential” for life, so some scientists prefer the term “phytochemical” rather than “phytonutrient”. However, for consumer messaging, the term “phytonutrient” conveys a stronger health message given people prefer to eat “nutrients” rather than “chemicals”. For the purposes of encouraging consumers to eat more fruits and vegetables, it is advised to use the nutrient terminology.

While phytonutrients have been part of the chemical composition of fruits and vegetables for as long as they have been grown, it is only in recent years that specific phytonutrients have been isolated, identified and studied for their many beneficial qualities. Scientists are continuing to identify new phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables — one orange is believed to contain over 170 phytonutrients! For the purposes of quantifying the phytonutrient gap, this report focuses on 14 phytonutrients of interest including carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeax anthin, lycopene), flavonoids (anthocyanidins, epigallocatechin 3-gallate or “EGCG”, hesperitin, quercetin), phenolics (ellagic acid, resveratrol), isothiocyanates, isoflavones and allicin.

The descriptive science names may be confusing to the average consumer, and yet, it is important for consumers to understand a “food first” message within an “eat bycolor” paradigm which encompasses the phytonutrients. Therefore, for a generalized “eat by color” approach, consumers should ideally eat the richest colors from each color grouping, and consume 2 servings a day from each for a total of 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

In order to align the consumer-facing “eat by color” paradigm with the research findings about the “gap”, this report will quantify the phytonutrient gap by color. The “phytonutrient gap” referred to in this report is defined as the percentage of the population with phytonutrient intakes less than the median intake (“prudent intake” or PI) by adults who meet recommended daily intakes of fruits and vegetables. In other words, this “gap” represents the shortfall of phytonutrient intakes based on an average level of phytonutrient intake consistent with a “prudent diet” which is high in fruits and vegetables. It is important to point out that a “prudent diet” may still fall short of desirable or optimal levels of some or even most phytonutrients found in fruits, vegetables and other plant sources including teas and beans

Amway Business Benefits

Amway is simply the best and most rewarding way to start a business in the world today, with world-class products and great support. No other direct selling company matches Amway’s strengths:

• Amway and its parent company achieve over $90 billion in global sales annually and hold over 1,000 patents. (see video)
• Family owned and financially stable.
• Products with a global reputation for quality.
• Free corporate support and training for IBOs.
• A network for IBOs that provides one-on-one help.
• Service in the communities where we live and work.
• Over $33 billion paid out in worldwide bonuses and incentives since 1059, and Amway never missed a bonus payment.
• Accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
• A member of the Direct Selling Association since 1962.

Individuals and couples who become Independent Business Owners (IBOs) find there are many befits of being a part of the Amway family:

• The ability to create a family business, one in which a second and third generations can (and do) participate.
• The ability to earn income to supplement, replace, and sometimes even exceed current earnings.
• Flexible schedules that allow them to do the things they want.
• The satisfaction of building a better life for their families and themselves.
• Having the opportunity to help others build successful business.

As they build their businesses, the rewards continue with:

• Motivating cash bonuses for performance – over $4 billion paid out in North America in the last 10 years.
• Educational and rewarding business conferences.
• Luxurious business meetings in world-class destinations.

What’s In A Number? [video]

Interesting figures released by Amway last week.

10 Things You Need To Know About Amway

1. Amway is a global leader in the $102-billion direct selling industry. More than three million Amway Business Owners operate independent businesses in more than 80 countries and territories around the world.
   
2. Amway and its subsidiaries employ more than 13,000 people worldwide.
   
3. Amway and its subsidiaries reported record sales of more than $7.1 billion for the year ending December 31, 2007.
   
4. Amway operates 65 Research and Development laboratories worldwide, staffed by more than 500 scientists, engineers, and technical professionals.
   
5. Amway Research and Development professionals have been awarded more than 500 patents and have had more than 400 papers published in top industry journals.
   
6. Amway is a leader in the U.S. Direct Selling Association, the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
   
7. Amway was ranked #43 on the Forbes Magazine 2007 list of “America’s Largest Private Companies.”
   
8. Amway’s eco-friendly home care products help maintain a cleaner environment and a cleaner home.
   
9. Amway owns the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands.
   
10. Amway owns the Laura Mercier™ line of cosmetics, which is sold in fine boutiques and department stores.