In an article from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) the grant review panelist, Dr. An Tony Kong talks about his latest discoveries. He wanted to know how antioxidants in plant foods affect genes that transform the cancer process on and off? This is what Dr Kong investigated in a number of studies.
He said, "It's a balancing act," "A little inflammation in a healthy immune response is good, but too much is harmful. Too oxidative stress and insufficient antioxidant vitamins like C, D and E, and not consuming enough phytochemicals - like sulforaphane in broccoli, EGCG in green tea and dozens of others in all kinds of plant foods - leads to poor health. "
How does this happen? It has to do with how our immune system to infection by the fight against the virus or bacterium is the cause. The site is inflamed where the battle takes place. The more inflammation persists, the likelihood of an increased risk of certain cancers. Hepatitis increases the risk of liver cancer. The bacterium H. pylori responsible for stomach ulcers, increased risk of stomach cancer. The inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of colon cancer.
Versatility of antioxidants
Apparently, antioxidants play a dual role. They both co-ordinate and also provide protection which is an action plan in two stages. Here's how Dr. Kong has described the process:
1) antioxidants directly absorb free radical molecules, and
2) antioxidants turn on signals indicative of tumor suppressor genes to become active.
Again, Dr Kong said. "Often, when oxidative stress occurs, the inflammation also produces free radicals can also activate inflammatory cascades antioxidants can not only reduce cellular oxidative stress - ... They can also activate cellular defense systems by putting protective enzymes to work together, they get rid of free radicals and also block cell signaling which tells tumor cells to grow. "
Theory Tested
How was the theory tested? In the laboratory of Dr. Kong, a protein called "Nrf2" was omitted from one group of mice. The second group had the Nrf2 protein. They compared two groups for food sulforaphane, the phytochemical found in broccoli and cabbage. Their results showed that sulforaphane plays an important role to inform Nrf2 protein antioxidants to fight against cytokines and other inflammatory proteins.
This shows that eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans are essential to our wellbeing. Sulforaphane is one of hundreds of phytochemicals, antioxidants that are herbal and can protect us against inflammation and oxidative stress.
It is believed that antioxidant phytochemicals in our diets work well to protect our cells with low levels of inflammation and oxidative stress that we have every day. When there is damage or injury to cells that could create a mutation in cancer of Conduct, antioxidants can be used to reactivate genes that protect against cancer. Dr. Kong is moving along the lines of research in gene activity that are located just outside of the region-coding DNA.
He said that phytochemicals are effective at chromosomes. In his research with laboratory rats suffering from prostate cancer, he noted that tumors develop, it is possible that tumors evade signals protective genes. Meanwhile, the signals of harmful genes that cause tumors to grow are activated. With this kind of process, Dr. Kong and its partners are trying to disable them using antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals.
Conclusion
There is solid evidence shows us how we can be proactive in taking care of our health. One way is simply to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans that are herbal. These premiums have natural nutrients and phytochemicals that are essential to good health and wellness in the prevention of disease risk. Having good health is an asset. Everything we do depends on him. Do what you can live a happy healthy life. Include type of antioxidant foods daily to support the protection. Choose to eat colorful vegetables, fruits and foods mentioned to ensure that it adjusts to support the body antioxidant protection cells. You will reap great rewards to become "healthy, wealthy and wise."
