DNA damage
Smoking and meat consumption are associated with increased DNA damage. Processed meats may contain carcinogenic nitrosamines that can even be found in the vapors (smell) of frying bacon. On the other hand, plant-based diets have been associated with decreased DNA damage overall, slowed cancer growth, and possibly even slowed aging.
Specific studies have shown the possible prevention or repair capabilities of apples, almonds and grapes, carob, broccoli (see also here, here), broccoli sprouts, black pepper, dragon’s blood, and soy (edamame, tofu, tempeh). In moderation, stevia can be considered harmless, but recent studies have called into question the safety of potassium sorbate and avocados (see here, here).
Topic summary contributed by Michelle Baer.
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Watch videos about DNA damage
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January 18, 2013
PhIP: The Three Strikes Breast Carcinogen
The cooked meat carcinogen PhIP found in fried bacon, fish, and chicken may not only trigger cancer and promote tumor growth, but also increase its metastatic potential by increasing its
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January 16, 2013
Estrogenic Cooked Meat Carcinogens
DNA-damaging chemicals formed when meat is cooked stimulate breast cancer cells almost as much as pure estrogen and can infiltrate the ducts where most breast cancers arise.
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November 12, 2012
Ergothioneine: A New Vitamin?
If the antioxidant amino acid ergothioneine does indeed turn out to be an essential nutrient, what are the best dietary sources?
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October 16, 2012
Eating Green to Prevent Cancer
Chlorophyll, the most ubiquitous plant pigment in the world, may protect our DNA against mutation by intercepting carcinogens.
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August 7, 2012
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July 27, 2012
Risk Associated With Iron Supplements
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Measuring the effects of a plant-based diet on the expression of hundreds of different genes at a time, a research group found that an antioxidant rich portfolio of plant foods such as berries,..
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July 18, 2012
Kiwifruit and DNA Repair
Plant-based diets help prevent cancer not only by blocking DNA damage but by increasing our DNA repair enzymes’ ability to repair any damage that gets by our first line of antioxidant defense.