“Super Foods” That Offer Anti-Cancer Benefits

Cancer treatment is very expensive and could cost over $90, 000 just to increase survival by 14 months. Such an amount is ridiculously high and could only be afforded by some few groups of people. This might be a contributing factor why cancer is still on the surge despite relentless effort to discover novel therapeutic options. Cost effective cancer treatments could be in your fridge.

The vegetables and fruits in the fridge could offer some level of protection against the growth of cancer and other chronic diseases. Most research scientists have now directed their studies toward developing cost-effective treatment modalities through the exploration of some vegetables and fruits.

Ginger
Ginger extracts have been proven to be of therapeutic importance against cancer. Researchers from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, have explored the anti-cancer properties of ginger extracts and have also confirmed their superiority over any drug now in the market for breast cancer treatment. In a mouse study at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, gingerol, a phytonutrient, has been shown to be very effective against colorectal cancer treatment. A similar anti-cancer property of gingerol was demonstrated by Dr. Rebecca Lui at the University of Michigan. A 56% reduction in mice prostate cancer was shown in a study conducted at the Georgia State University. Addition of ginger to our meals could be very beneficial to our health.

Broccoli
Scientists have explored cruciferous veggies like broccoli to identify some phytonutrients – indoles and sulforaphane – that could be used for cancer treatment. Emily Ho of Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, has revealed the anti-cancer properties of sulforaphane against prostate cancer. Sulforaphane has the ability to induce phase-2-enzymes in the liver that help fight carcinogens and inhibit HDAC enzymes which ultimately restores cells to normal functions. Its capacity to induce selective killing makes it an attractive and promising therapeutic agent. A mouse study conducted at the University of Michigan has also demonstrated the efficacy of sulforaphane against cancer stem-cells. Most studies have shown broccoli to be useful in the treatment of breast, prostate, liver, lung, bladder and stomach cancers.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a pigment called lycopene, which contributes to the red colour of veggies and fruits. Lycopene has been identified as anti-oxidant that neutralises the effects – causing DNA damage – of free radicals. In a review by Edward Giovannucci, University of Harvard, he explicitly showed data examining the therapeutic effects of lycopene on prostate cancer. Researchers in the UK have revealed a 20% reduction in prostate cancer risk. Lycopene has been implicated in the treatment of lung, endometrial, stomach and prostate cancers.

Berries
Gary .D. Stoner, Ph.D., Medical College of Wisconsin, led a study that revealed that berries contain increased amount of anthocyanins and ellagitannins that are effective against tumour growth and angiogenesis – developing new vessels to feed tumour cells. These phytonutrients are reported to decrease esophageal cancer growth by 30 – 70% in rats, 80% reduction in colon cancer and 36% reduction in rectal polyps. Harini Aiyer, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Lombardi Cancer Centre, George Town University of Medicine, has also shown 60 – 70% decrease in ER+ breast tumour volumes. These promising results make berries a very good therapeutic fruit.

Garlic
As indicated by the Iowa Womens’s Health Study, increase intake of garlic cuts down colon cancer risk by 50%. The mechanism of action has been attributed to anti-cancer effects of some phytochemicals like quercetin, allixin, allicin, alliin and allyl identified in garlic. In a population based case-study in Chinese population, Zi-Yi Jin, reported an association between increased garlic intake and 44% reduction in lung cancer risk. 30% reduction was also identified in smokers. Other studies have shown similar therapeutic promises in oesophageal, colon, breast and stomach cancers.

Beans
Researchers at the University College London have identified inositol pentakisphosphate in beans that reduces tumour growth. A 42% reduction in colon cancer risk has also been reported in a study conducted at the Loma Linda University.

Most of the phytochemicals identified are anti-oxidants and they neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. This prevents DNA damages that could result in cancer. Dr. James Watson, the co-discoverer of the DNA structure, has edged scientists to reconsider the role of anti-oxidants else the cure for many cancers will remain elusive. According to Dr. James Watson, anti-oxidants might also have a role to play in cancer development as these free radicals are needed to cause destruction of tumour cells or apoptosis of dysfunctional cells that pose threat to survival.

As to whether anti-oxidants contribute to cancer development, substantial information is needed to confirm that. However, many studies have confirmed the anti-cancer properties of anti-oxidants. Regardless, more molecular and cellular details are needed to find out convincing mechanisms of action of these phytonutrients. Fruits and veggies should remain important components of our daily meals as they provide incredible health benefits including anti-cancer properties.

By Meshach Asare-Werehene (Cancer Immunologist)