In a test tube, the broccoli phytonutrient sulforaphane appears to target breast cancer stem cells. But how do we know it’s even absorbed into the body? Have women undergoing breast reduction surgery eat some an hour before their operation, and directly measure the level in their tissues.
A new theory of cancer biology—cancer stem cells—and the role played by sulforaphane, a phytonutrient produced by cruciferous vegetables.
How meat scientists justify their promotion of foods associated with cancer risk.
In the context of a healthy, plant-based diet, the nitrates in vegetables can safely be converted into nitric oxide, which can boost athletic performance, and may help prevent heart disease.
The addition of vitamin C to processed (cured) meats such as bacon may actually make them more carcinogenic.
Frying bacon outdoors decreases the concentration of airborne nitrosamine carcinogens.
Phytonutrients, such as vitamin C, prevent the formation of nitrosamines from nitrites—which explains why adding nitrite preservatives to processed meat can be harmful, but adding more vegetables, with their nitrite-forming nitrates, to our diet can be helpful.
The nitrite preservatives in processed meats such as bologna, bacon, ham, and hot dogs form carcinogenic nitrosamines, but also reduce the growth of botulism bacteria—forcing regulators to strike a balance between consumers risking cancer, or a deadly form of food poisoning.
Nitrites in processed meat form nitrosamines, a class of potent carcinogens found in cigarette smoke, which may explain why hot dog consumption has been associated with the two leading pediatric cancers, brain tumors and childhood leukemia.
Even when fiber and fruit and vegetable intake are kept constant, choosing foods richer in antioxidants may increase stool size, which is associated with lower cancer risk.
The four most antioxidant-packed natural substances so far tested are cloves, amla (Indian gooseberries), triphala (a combination of amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki fruits), and dragon’s blood.
Triphala, a combination of three fruits—amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki—is the most commonly used herbal formulation in Ayurvedic medicine, and may have powerful anticancer properties. Unfortunately, one in five Ayurvedic herbal dietary supplements were found contaminated with lead, mercury, and/or arsenic.
Indian gooseberries (amla) block breast cancer cell growth and metastasis potential in vitro.
Indian gooseberries (amla), an important plant in Ayurvedic medicine, may have anticancer properties, as well as cough-, fever-, pain-, stress-, and diarrhea-suppressing effects.
Vitamin D deficiency may shorten one’s lifespan, but getting too much vitamin D may also adversely affect longevity.
The Institute of Medicine’s conservative position on vitamin D is understandable, given the history of hyped vitamin supplements (vitamin A, beta carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E) that turned out worthless—or worse.
The USDA Dietary Guidelines Committee stands accused of ignoring the science to justify its recommendation to eat meat.
The success story in Finland shows that science-based dietary guidelines can save millions of lives.
The insecticide and fungicide compound found naturally in avocados (persin) may damage the DNA of normal cells, as well as cancer cells.
Persin, a natural toxin found in avocados, appears so effective at killing breast cancer cells that it is being considered as a chemotherapy agent.
Major fish oil manufacturers and drug stores are being sued for failing to disclose the PCB pollutants in fish oil supplements.
Arachidonic acid may play a role in cancer, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders.
Larger bowel movements are associated with lower risk of appendicitis, colon cancer, constipation, and diverticulitis.
Women eating vegetarian may have lower breast cancer rates because they have larger bowel movements.
New research suggests that multivitamin use may significantly increase the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Wood ear, crimini, oyster, Italian brown, enoki, button, stuffing, shiitake, chanterelle, and portobello mushrooms were compared to see which was best at inhibiting aromatase enzyme activity.
Mushrooms may help prevent breast cancer by acting as an aromatase inhibitor to block breast tumor estrogen production.
Breast cancer can take decades to develop, so early detection via mammogram may be too late.
In a double-blind study, the spice saffron beat out placebo in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease dementia symptoms.
Meat, animal protein, and soy milk can affect premature breast development in girls.
The hormones present in cow’s milk may help explain the association between certain diseases and dairy consumption.
The wart-causing viruses in animals may present more than just a cosmetic issue for consumers.
Why this herbal tea may increase cancer risk.
Dr. Dean Ornish turns from reversing heart disease to trying to reverse prostate cancer.
A landmark study pitted 34 common vegetables against 8 different lines of human cancer cells.
A neurological basis for humanity’s love affair with Camellia sinensis?
What percentage of a hot dog is actually muscle tissue?
Does ground pepper have inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects in the body?
Medical education continues to underemphasize clinical nutrition.
Ground flax seed consumption may decrease breast cancer risk by slowing one’s menstrual cycle. It may also control prostate enlargement as effectively as the leading prescription drug.
