Fermented foods and cancer prevention -
New findings by a Queen's University research team dispel the popular notion that eating so-called "natural" foods will protect against cancer. In fact, certain types of common foods and alcoholic beverages such as wine, cheese, yogurt and bread contain trace amounts of carcinogens.
Maintaining a balanced diet from a variety of sources -- including garlic -- is a better choice, the researchers suggest. Led by Dr. Poh-Gek Forkert of Queen's Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, the team has discovered that a naturally-occurring carcinogen found in alcoholic beverages and fermented foods causes DNA modification and mutations, ultimately leading to abnormal cell growth and lung cancer.
Her research also shows that a component of garlic significantly reduces these changes. The most recent Queen's findings are published on-line today in the journal, Carcinogenesis.
This is the third in a series of four related papers: two of the companion papers are published on-line in the International Journal of Cancer and Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Forkert's team includes PhD student Lya Hernandez and postdoctoral fellows, Drs.
Heidi Chen and Ashish Sharma all from Anatomy and Cell Biology. Also collaborating on the team are PhD student Martin Kaufmann Biochemistry , Dr. Glenville Jones Biochemistry , and Dr. Raymond Bowers Chemistry. The researchers are studying the effects of treatment with vinyl carbamate in mice.
This substance is derived from ethyl carbamate urethane , a by-product of fermentation found in alcoholic beverages, and fermented foods like cheese, yogurt and bread. It is also present naturally in tobacco. Now labeled as a potential human carcinogen by both the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, urethane was given inadvertently to millions of patients in Japan, between and , in analgesic and sedative drugs.
It was estimated that the total dose of urethane administered to a kilogram patient was about 0. This is believed to be the largest dose on record of a pure carcinogen administered directly to people.
In , Health and Welfare Canada placed limits on urethane contained in Canadian but not imported alcoholic beverages. In these studies, the mice were administered a single high dose of the carcinogenic chemical. Human exposure differs from that in mice in that it is much lower, and occurs over a prolonged period of time.
Recent studies have also shown that probiotics can help to boost the immune system, which is crucial in preventing cancer. The immune system is responsible for identifying and destroying cancer cells before they have a chance to grow and spread.
Probiotics can help to stimulate the production of immune cells and improve their function, making it easier for the body to fight off cancer cells. The consumption of fermented foods has been linked to various health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer.
Several studies have shown that fermented food can lower the risk of stomach, colon, and breast cancer. Other research suggests that consuming fermented foods can also have a positive effect on the immune system, promoting better overall health. One study conducted in South Korea found that individuals who consumed kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish, had a lower risk of developing stomach cancer compared to those who did not consume kimchi.
The study also found that the longer the kimchi was fermented, the greater the protective effect against stomach cancer.
There are several fermented foods that are particularly beneficial for reducing the risk of cancer. These include:. In addition to reducing the risk of cancer, fermented foods have also been shown to improve digestion, boost the immune system, and promote overall gut health.
Fermented foods contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help to balance the gut microbiome. This can lead to improved digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as a stronger immune system.
So, not only are these foods delicious, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits! If you're interested in incorporating more fermented foods into your diet, start by adding one or two of the foods listed above.
Try to eat at least one serving of fermented food per day. It's also thought that consuming a variety of fermented foods is the best way to promote gut health and get the most out of the probiotics contained within each food.
One easy way to incorporate fermented foods into your diet is by making your own fermented vegetables at home. This can be done by using a simple fermentation kit or by following a recipe online. Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi are not only delicious but also packed with beneficial bacteria that can improve your gut health.
Another great way to add fermented foods to your diet is by drinking kombucha. Kombucha is a fermented tea that is rich in probiotics and antioxidants.
It's a great alternative to sugary drinks and can be found in most health food stores or made at home with a kombucha starter kit. Want to try making your own fermented foods?
It's surprisingly easy! You can make everything from kimchi to yogurt at home with just a few simple ingredients. There are plenty of tutorials and recipes available online to help you get started.
One important thing to keep in mind when making fermented foods at home is to use clean equipment and utensils. Any bacteria or contaminants can affect the fermentation process and result in spoiled food. It's also important to follow the recipe closely and pay attention to the temperature and timing of the fermentation process.
With a little practice and patience, you can create delicious and healthy fermented foods right in your own kitchen! Research has shown that maintaining good gut health can help prevent the development of cancer. By consuming fermented foods, you can promote a healthy balance of the bacteria in your gut, which in turn can protect against cancer and other illnesses.
In addition to consuming fermented foods, it is also important to maintain a diet rich in fiber. Fiber helps to keep your digestive system functioning properly, which can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber.
Furthermore, studies have shown that stress can have a negative impact on gut health, which can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help to improve gut health and reduce the risk of cancer.
While fermented foods are generally safe to eat, it's important to be cautious if you have any existing health conditions, such as kidney disease or a weakened immune system. Additionally, some fermented foods, like soy sauce or miso, can be high in sodium, so it's important to monitor your sodium intake.
It's also important to note that some fermented foods may contain histamines, which can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Certain fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, fermented foods, beans, herbs and spices, whole grains, and walnuts can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Steer clear of alcohol, fast food, fried foods, processed meats, added sugar, and refined carbs. DNA damage and genetic mutations may cause breast cancer. Inheriting mutations in certain genes , such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can likewise increase your risk, as can obesity.
Lifestyle also plays a critical role. Research links smoking , estrogen exposure, heavy drinking , and certain dietary patterns — including Western diets high in processed foods — to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Notably, studies associate other eating patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Moreover, specific foods may even protect against this disease.
Keep in mind that many factors are associated with breast cancer development. Even with a nutrient-rich diet, you still need regular breast cancer screenings like mammograms and manual checks. After all, early detection and diagnosis significantly increase survival rates.
Ask a healthcare professional for advice about breast cancer screenings. Leafy green vegetables contain carotenoid antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Higher blood levels of these antioxidants are associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
An older analysis of eight studies in 7, women found that those with higher levels of carotenoids had a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer compared with women with lower levels.
This study followed 32, women over a year period. Some research has found that folate, a B vitamin concentrated in leafy green vegetables, may help protect against breast cancer. Research is mixed overall on whether folate intake has a significant effect, positive or negative, on breast cancer risk.
More studies are needed. Cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli, may help lower your risk of breast cancer. Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolate compounds, which your body can convert into molecules called isothiocyanates.
These have significant anticancer potential. Notably, a study involving 1, Southern Chinese women linked higher total cruciferous vegetable intake to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Garlic, onions, and leeks are all allium vegetables.
They boast an array of nutrients, including organosulfur compounds, flavonoid antioxidants, and vitamin C. These may have powerful anticancer properties. A study involving women in Puerto Rico tied high garlic and onion intake to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Likewise, a study involving Iranian women found that a high intake of garlic and leeks may protect against breast cancer.
High intake of raw onion may have a small protective effect as well. Interestingly, the study also found that high consumption of cooked onion was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Citrus fruits and their peels are teeming with compounds that may protect against breast cancer, including:.
These nutrients have antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, research ties citrus fruit to a reduced risk of many cancers, including breast cancer. Antioxidants in berries, including flavonoids and anthocyanins, have been shown to protect against cellular damage and the development and spread of cancer cells.
Notably, an older study involving 75, women linked a higher intake of berries — and blueberries in particular — to a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. Fruits — specifically peaches, apples, pears, and grapes — have been shown to safeguard against breast cancer.
Interestingly, an older study from revealed that polyphenol antioxidants from peaches inhibited the growth and spread of a human breast cancer cell line implanted in an animal model.
Studies analyzing data from hundreds of thousands of women have also linked apple and pear intake to a lower risk of breast cancer. Some test-tube studies also show that certain compounds found in grapes — including flavonoids and anthocyanins — can protect against breast cancer cells.
Log Fermented foods and cancer prevention to check out faster. Preventiion SHIPPING. When it comes preventionn preventing cancer, there are a variety Citrus aurantium extract strategies that individuals might turn to. While many people are aware preevention the importance of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as minimizing the intake of processed foods, there's another dietary approach that could be particularly beneficial: consuming fermented foods. Fermented foods are those that have been through a lacto-fermentation process, which means that natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch contained within the food. As a result, they produce lactic acid. This acid acts as a natural preservative, preserving the food's nutrients and enzymes. New findings by a Queen's University research team dispel the popular notion that eating Foode "natural" foods will protect caancer cancer. In fact, certain ajd of common foods and alcoholic beverages such cancdr wine, cheese, yogurt and Fermented foods and cancer prevention contain trace amounts of carcinogens. Raspberry ketones for weight management a balanced diet from a variety of sources -- including garlic -- is a better choice, the researchers suggest. Led by Dr. Poh-Gek Forkert of Queen's Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, the team has discovered that a naturally-occurring carcinogen found in alcoholic beverages and fermented foods causes DNA modification and mutations, ultimately leading to abnormal cell growth and lung cancer. Her research also shows that a component of garlic significantly reduces these changes. The most recent Queen's findings are published on-line today in the journal, Carcinogenesis.
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