See also: nutrition and cancer, is there an effective diet against cancer?
By Doctor Nicola Sacchi - Author of the book: Drugs and doping in sport -
How some foods protect us from cancer
Several studies have shown how the incidence of some classes of tumors decreases in populations that regularly eat particular foods. In the light of these researches, further studies have tried to understand what were the molecular mechanisms underlying these results; different classes of compounds, of natural origin, able to counteract the development of tumors. These natural substances are able to intervene at different levels in the processes of tumor growth:
- some compounds act by preventing the activation of carcinogens;
- others counteract the growth of the tumors themselves;
- additional molecules hinder the formation of blood vessels that lead to cancer;
- still others act by stimulating apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells;
- moreover, also the antioxidant activity of various substances contributes to counteracting the onset of tumors;
- finally, there are numerous molecules capable of stimulating the immune system, which acts by controlling the growth of tumors.
All these substances of natural origin have been found in different classes of vegetables and are therefore present in the fruit and vegetables that are usually eaten, or that are easily available in every supermarket.
As "it was previously said, these substances are numerous and are not present in a single food, but are found in various compounds of plant origin that we can easily combine. Today, these foods can be defined as" nutraceuticals ", ie foods containing ingredients active ingredients capable of having health activities, in this case in an anti-tumor sense.
The anticancer foods
After the introduction, we can list what these anti-cancer foods are.
Without taking biochemistry or pharmacology lessons, which do not fit into this context, we will limit ourselves to identifying the active compounds and understanding how "it is possible to use them best.
The crucifers
Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, watercress, turnip, cauliflower etc. belong to this family. The anticancer properties of these vegetables derive from substances called glucosinolates. These substances are already being studied as adjuvants of chemotherapies. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are the best sources of these substances.
To prevent cancer of these vegetables, rapid cooking is necessary, possibly with steam, and good chewing, while excessive simzzamento before consumption must be avoided.
The garlic
Garlic contains a substance called allina, that following the breaking of the cloves comes into contact with an enzyme that converts it into allicin, which in turn gives rise to numerous substances capable of preventing the growth of cancer cells and promoting their apoptosis. These molecules are released following the crushing of the bulbs; consequently, the best source is certainly freshly sliced raw garlic.
Soy
In all its forms (bean, miso, sauce, tofu, milk, etc.) soy contains substances called isoflavones, in particular the genistein, which appear to interfere with the development of hormonal-based tumors (breast, prostate). It has been shown that they have oncopreventive activity, since thanks to their similarity to sex hormones, they bind to their receptors without having significant hormonal activity.
The best way to get these substances is to eat whole foods, rather than using the isoflavone supplements that are so popular today.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice from the ginger family, grown mainly in India.
This plant contains a substance called curcumin which appears to act on various tumor growth factors. This substance has shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiangiogenic properties, but its antitumor activity has yet to be thoroughly studied.
It has also been seen that to increase the availability of curcumin, it must be taken together with black pepper. This spice cocktail is excellent for flavoring soups, first courses and meats, but also for preventing the onset of tumors.
Anti-cancer foods "
