| For
years, we’ve been hearing about the disease-fighting
power of produce. Scientists say it may be the combination
of natural plant compounds called antioxidants and phytochemicals
that work to keep our immune system strong. Now a new
report shows that there are three other compounds in
plants that may help fight off cancer at the cellular
level, possibly stopping the cancer process before it
starts.
The
first is ellagic acid, a compound found in berries
that in laboratory studies has been shown to shrink
colon and esophageal tumors from 50 to 80 percent. It’s
even more potent in freeze-dried berries.
The
second is epigallocatechin allate, or EGCG, found in
green tea. This active anti-cancer
substance appears to prevent the cascade of events that
trigger cancer. Lab studies show it binds to a protein
found in all cancers and interferes with its ability
to activate cancer cells.
The
third is actually a variety of compound found in many
spices and hot foods which appear to fight inflammation
and cancer. While searching for alternatives to cox-2
inhibitors to treat arthritis, researchers found that
components of turmeric, rosemary, ginger, and
hot peppers inhibit skin cancer by
blocking the cancer’s chemical pathway. |