The latest scientific research and how it relates to Cancer Prevention.
Phytochemicals: One of the ways nutrition plays a role in cancer prevention is by contributing to the health of the immune system. And one of the most exciting areas of research concerns phytochemicals. These are naturally occurring plant chemicals (phyto is a Greek word for plant.) They have been shown to reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, cataracts, and diabetes, and very likely have a beneficial effect on the immune system. These bioactive (meaning they retain activity in the body) compounds are produced by plants as a means of helping them endure extremes of climate, sunlight exposure and oxidative damage. While antioxidant nutrients work around or on the surface or in the cytosol of cells, phytochemicals are believed to work in and around the DNA, preserving it and preventing subcellular damage. They have been shown to be antipromoters (substances that stop the proliferation of cancer cells through various mechanisms), they block cellular damage and actually transport carcinogens out of cells. Phytochemicals are formed in the last stages of maturation and are found in almost all fruits and vegetables as well as many whole grains. They are the chemicals that provide color, spice, flavor, etc. to plants. Over 4000 different phytochemicals have been identified; 59 have been found in orange juice, 40 have been found in broccoli and over 50 have been identified in onions and garlic.
You have to eat the food! Ttwo long-term trials with more than 50,000 participants offered fresh evidence that vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium supplements don’t reduce the risk of prostate, colorectal, lung, bladder or pancreatic cancer. Other recent studies have found that over-the-counter vitamins and minerals offer no help in fighting other cancers, stroke or cardiovascular disease.