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Cancer
Prevention With Phytonutrients
Arthur M. Echano, MD, ND, MACNEM
The weight of scientific evidence
that proves that phytonutrients (phytochemicals) have anti-cancer
properties is so heavy that it can no longer be ignored. It is therefore
very interesting to know what phytonutrients are and how these plant-derived
substances shield us from cancer.
Safe Natural Substances
Simply, phytonutrients (phytochemicals)
are plant-derived substances that have various roles in health and
well being. They include carotenoids, bioflavonoids, polyphenols,
isoflavones, isothiocyanates, ascorbates, tocopherols, lignans,
and many others. These phytochemicals are food nutrients and are
therefore non-toxic and safe.
Let us now consider some examples
of these phytonutients and learn how they protect us from cancer.
In adequate amounts, they can significantly reduce our odds of falling
victim to this dreaded disease.
Oligomeric
Proanthocyanidins (OPC)
OPC are bioflavonoids containing polyphenolic compounds with strong
antioxidative properties. Better known as pycnogenols (from grape
seed or maritime pine bark), OPC has been shown to be 50 times more
powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more potent than Vitamin C
as a free radical scavenger (antioxidant). And as we learned from
last month’s article (Simple Ways to Prevent Cancer), good
antioxidant coverage is a must in cancer prevention. OPC donates
its electrons to oxidants, thereby sparing normal cells from oxidative
stress and damage.
Go For Grapes
Aside from OPC, grapes
and red wine contains a polyphenol called resveratrol that has antioxidant,
antibiotic, immune system modulating and anti-carcinogenesis effects.
Resveratrol is believed to be beneficial in leukemia, breast and
prostatic cancer.
More Than a Tea
Another prominent member
of the polyphenolic club with high anti-cancer activity is green
tea. The phytonutients in it, especially epigallocatechin gallate
(EGCG) have been proven to block tumor progression and metastasis.
Like fish oil, it is also a modulator of one of the body’s
inflammatory pathways thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer
formation. So the next time you drink green tea, remember that it
is not just an ordinary tea. It has far reaching effects in preventing
many chronic diseases, including cancer.
The Amazing Hawaiian Spirulina
Have you ever wondered
why this blue-green algae- spirulina, is getting more and more attention
in nutritional medicine? Well, apart from containing almost 100
food nutrients,it
has a complete set of the major carotenoids. Not just the cis and
trans forms of beta carotene but the rest of it, alpha carotene,
zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, etc. Scientists havenow known that a
complete set of carotenoids have far more health-promoting effects(including
antioxidation) than just plain beta carotene.
Furthermore, latest research studies
shows that spirulina powerful immune system boosting agent. One
such study was conducted by the San Francisco Medical Research Foundation
and reported in the article Spirulina: The Immune System Miracle
Worker by Dr. Richard Kozlenko, DPM, PhD, MPH & Dr. Ronald H.
Henson. It emphasized the point that this sea weed consistently
improved immune system function. And a healthy immune system is
a deterrent to cancer formation.
One caution though about spirulina.
As it is a chelating agent, its source is an important issue. In
the book How to Beat Hyperactivity Without Drugs, Michael &
Greta Sichel, DO, ND stressed the point about the superior brand
of spirulina. It has to be in glass bottles (not plastics) to preserve
its beta carotene. That you should get it from a reliable source.
Apparently, spirulina “grown
in Asia and Klamath Lakes (USA) can cause neurological damage.”
They have used the non-toxic Hawaiian variety for years with excellent
results. Spirulina grown in dirty or contaminated waters will be
loaded with whatever dirt is in these waters. Heavy metals like
mercury top the list. It is a neurotoxin and can therefore cause
some form of brain damage.
The List is Long
We have just scratched
the surface with regard to the role of phytonutrients in cancer
prevention. It is worthy to mention isoflavones in soy and red clover,
lignans in whole grain cereals and flaxseed, indole-3-carbinol in
cruciferous vegetables, lycopene in tomato, ascorbates (vitamin
C), tocopherols (vitamin E), and many others. More and more research
studies are discovering the definitive role of these plant compounds
in cancer control.
For a more comprehensive
review of plant-derived compounds in cancer prevention, see your
health care provider. Your nearest nutritional medicine specialist
may be able to formulate a nutritional program suited to your needs.
Arthur M. Echano is a nutritional
medicine specialist locally. He is also a naturopathic physician
in the United States and a medical doctor in the Philippines. He
is a full member of the Australasian College of Nutritional and
Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). Phone number is (02) 9834 4154 and
email: amechano@acay.com.au
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