spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, lettuce

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, for DNA synthesis and RNA synthesis, and for preventing changes to DNA, and, thus, for preventing cancer.[50] It is especially important during periods of frequent cell division and growth, such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to carry one-carbon groups for methylation reactions and nucleic acid synthesis (the most notable one being thymine, but also purine bases).[48] Thus, folate deficiency hinders DNA synthesis and cell division, affecting hematopoietic cells and neoplasms the most because of their greater frequency of cell division. RNA transcription, and subsequent protein synthesis, are less affected by folate deficiency, as the mRNA can be recycled and used again (as opposed to DNA synthesis, where a new genomic copy must be created). Since folate deficiency limits cell division, erythropoiesis, production of red blood cells, is hindered and leads to megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by large immature red blood cells. This pathology results from persistently thwarted attempts at normal DNA replication, DNA repair, and cell division, and produces abnormally large red cells called megaloblasts (and hypersegmented neutrophils) with abundant cytoplasm capable of RNA and protein synthesis, but with clumping and fragmentation of nuclear chromatin. Some of these large cells, although immature (reticulocytes), are released early from the marrow in an attempt to compensate for the anemia.[90] Both adults and children need folate to make normal red and white blood cells and prevent anemia.[91] Deficiency of folate in pregnant women has been implicated in neural tube defects (NTD); therefore, many developed countries have implemented mandatory folic acid fortification in cereals, etc. NTDs occur early in pregnancy (first month), therefore women must have abundant folate upon conception. Folate is required to make red blood cells and white blood cells and folate deficiency may lead to anemia, which further leads to fatigue and weakness and inability to concentrate.[92]"

[en.wikipedia.org]

Sources

Certain foods are very high in folate:

Leafy vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, lettuce and some Asian vegetables[77]



dietary fiber

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Fiber does not bind to minerals and vitamins and therefore does not restrict their absorption, but rather evidence exists that fermentable fiber sources improve absorption of minerals, especially calcium.[66][67][68] Some plant foods can reduce the absorption of minerals and vitamins like calcium, zinc, vitamin C, and magnesium, but this is caused by the presence of phytate (which is also thought to have important health benefits), not by fiber.[69]

An experiment designed with a large sample and conducted by NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study studied the correlation between fiber intake and colorectal cancer. The analytic cohort consisted of 291 988 men and 197 623 women aged 50–71 y. Diet was assessed with a self-administered food-frequency qustionnaire at baseline in 1995-1996; 2974 incident colorectal cancer cases were identified during 5 y of follow-up. The result was that total fiber intake was not associated with colorectal cancer. But on the other hand, the analyses of fiber from different food sources showed that fiber from grains was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.[70]

Although many researchers believe that dietary fiber intake reduces risk of colon cancer, one study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Medicine of over 88,000 women did not show a statistically significant relationship between higher fiber consumption and lower rates of colorectal cancer or adenomas.[71] Similarly, a 2010 study of 58,279 men found no relationship between dietary fiber and colorectal cancer.[72]"

[en.wikipedia.org]

"A study of 388,000 adults ages 50 to 71 for nine years found that the highest consumers of fiber were 22% less likely to die over this period.[96] In addition to lower risk of death from heart disease, adequate consumption of fiber-containing foods, especially grains, was also associated with reduced incidence of infectious and respiratory illnesses, and, particularly among males, reduced risk of cancer-related death."



beta carotene in carrots, cantaloupes

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Plant carotenoids are the primary dietary source of provitamin A worldwide, with ?-carotene as the most well-known provitamin A carotenoid. Others include ?-carotene and ?-cryptoxanthin. Carotenoid absorption is restricted to the duodenum of the small intestine and dependent on Class B scavenger receptor (SR-B1) membrane protein, which are also responsible for the absorption of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol).[7] One molecule of ?-carotene can be cleaved by the intestinal enzyme beta,beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase into two molecules of vitamin A.[8]

Absorption efficiency is estimated to be between 9–22%. The absorption and conversion of carotenoids may depend on the form that the ?-carotene is in (e.g., cooked vs. raw vegetables, or in a supplement), the intake of fats and oils at the same time, and the current stores of vitamin A and ?-carotene in the body."

[en.wikipedia.org]

"The most common side effect of excessive ?-carotene consumption is carotenodermia, a physically harmless condition that presents as a conspicuous orange skin tint arising from deposition of the carotenoid in the outermost layer of the epidermis.[19] Chronic, high doses of synthetic ?-carotene supplements have been associated with a higher rate of lung cancer in smokers. Additionally, supplemental ?-carotene may increase the risk of prostate cancer, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cardiovascular and total mortality in people who smoke cigarettes or have a history of high-level exposure to asbestos.[20] ?-Carotene has a high tendency to oxidize,[21] more so than most food fats, and may thus to some extent hasten oxidation more than other food colours such as annatto."

[en.wikipedia.org]


"Chronic high doses of ?-carotene supplementation increases the probability of lung cancer in cigarette smokers according to a study, although the validity of this statement has been put into question.[27][unreliable source?][28] The effect is specific to supplementation dose as no lung damage has been detected in those who are exposed to cigarette smoke and who ingest a physiologic dose of ?-carotene (6 mg), in contrast to high pharmacologic dose (30 mg). Therefore, the oncology from ?-carotene is based on both cigarette smoke and high daily doses of ?-carotene.[29] There have been at least two suggestions for the mechanism for the observed harmful effect of high-dose ?-carotene supplementation in this group. None has so-far gained wide acceptance."

"It is debated whether ?-carotene is effective in treating different forms of cancer and it has not currently been proven to prevent cancer in humans.[32] Studies have shown that patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) respond favorably to ?-carotene supplementation;[33] however, high levels of ?-carotene have also been found to increase the risk of lung cancer in current and former smokers.[32] ?-Carotene is used to help prevent breast cancer although there are currently no findings to support that diets high in ?-carotene are associated with lower breast cancer risk.[34]"


soy beans

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Several large population studies have shown, that consumption of soy foods is associated with a reduction in prostate cancer risk in men,[80] is significantly associated with decreased risk of death and recurrence of breast cancer among women[81] and may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women.[82]"

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Soybeans contain a high level of phytic acid, which has many effects including acting as an antioxidant and a chelating agent. The beneficial claims for phytic acid include reducing cancer,[104] minimizing diabetes,[105] and reducing inflammation.[106] However, phytic acid is also criticized for reducing vital minerals due to its chelating effect, especially for diets already low in minerals.[107]"


[en.wikipedia.org]

"Women

A 2001 literature review suggested that women with current or past breast cancer should be aware of the risks of potential tumor growth when taking soy products, based on the effect of phytoestrogens to promote breast cancer cell growth in animals.[116] A 2006 commentary reviewed the relationship with soy and breast cancer. They stated that soy may decrease the risk of breast cancer, but cautioned that the impact of isoflavones on breast tissue needs to be evaluated at the cellular level in women at high risk for breast cancer.[117] A high consumption of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are found in most types of vegetable oil including soybean oil, may increase the likelihood that postmenopausal women will develop breast cancer.[118] Another analysis suggests an inverse association between total polyunsaturated fatty acids and breast cancer risk.[119] A 2011 analysis of the literature concluded that:- "Our study suggests soy isoflavones intake is associated with a significant reduced risk of breast cancer incidence in Asian populations, but not in Western populations."[120]

In a recent (August 2011) trial the daily administration of tablets containing 200 mg of soy isoflavones for 2 years did not prevent bone loss or menopausal symptoms.[121][122]

Men

Because of the phytoestrogen content, some studies have suggested that soybean ingestion may influence testosterone levels in men. However, a 2010 meta-analysis of 15 placebo controlled studies showed that neither soy foods nor isoflavone supplements alter measures of bioavailable testosterone or estrogen concentrations in men.[123] It has been hypothesized that soy foods and enterolactone may increase the development of prostate cancer although no significant associations were observed for the soy isoflavones.[124] Furthermore, soy consumption has been shown to have no effect on the levels and quality of sperm.[125] A 2009 meta-analysis of the research on the association between soy consumption and prostate cancer risk in men concluded that "consumption of soy foods is associated with a reduction in prostate cancer risk in men."[126]

Though raw soy flour is known to cause pancreatic cancer in rats[131] the cooked flour has not been found carcinogenic.[132][133] Whether soy might promote pancreatic cancer in humans is unknown because studies have not yet attempted to single out soy intake and the incidence of pancreatic cancer in humans, and the amount of soy fed to the rats is proportionately far larger than what humans would normally consume. However, the soy isoflavone genistein has been suggested as a chemopreventive agent against pancreatic cancer, by interfering with the chemical pathways that promote the creation and growth of tumors.[134]

The Cancer Council of New South Wales, Australia has released a statement saying scientific research suggests that overall the moderate consumption of soy products does not appear to present a risk to women with breast cancer, and there is equivocal evidence that consuming large amounts of soy products may have a protective effect against developing breast and prostate cancer. However, the Council does not recommend taking soy dietary supplements as there is no evidence they are either effective or safe at preventing or treating cancers."


cell phones

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Genotoxic effects

A meta-analysis (2008) of 63 in vitro and in vivo studies from the years 1990–2005 concluded that RF radiation was genotoxic only in some conditions and that the studies reporting positive effects evidenced publication bias.[43]

A meta-study (2009) of 101 publications on genotoxicity of RF electromagnetic fields showed that 49 reported a genotoxic effect and 42 not. The authors found "ample evidence that RF-EMF can alter the genetic material of exposed cells in vivo and in vitro and in more than one way".[44]

In 1995, in the journal Bioelectromagnetics, Henry Lai and Narenda P. Singh reported damaged DNA after two hours of microwave radiation at levels deemed safe according to U.S. government standards.[45]

In December 2004, a pan-European study named REFLEX (Risk Evaluation of Potential Environmental Hazards from Low Energy Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure Using Sensitive in vitro Methods), involving 12 collaborating laboratories in several countries showed some compelling evidence of DNA damage of cells in in-vitro cultures, when exposed between 0.3 to 2 watts/kg, whole-sample average. There were indications, but not rigorous evidence of other cell changes, including damage to chromosomes, alterations in the activity of certain genes and a boosted rate of cell division.[46]

Research published in 2004 by a team at the University of Athens had a reduction in reproductive capacity in fruit flies exposed to 6 minutes of 900 MHz pulsed radiation for five days.[47]

Subsequent research, again conducted on fruit flies, was published in 2007, with the same exposure pattern but conducted at both 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, and had similar changes in reproductive capacity with no significant difference between the two frequencies.[48]

Following additional tests published in a third article, the authors stated they thought their research suggested the changes were “…due to degeneration of large numbers of egg chambers after DNA fragmentation of their constituent cells …”.[49]

Australian research conducted in 2009 by subjecting in vitro samples of human spermatozoa to radio-frequency radiation at 1.8 GHz and specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0.4 to 27.5 W/kg showed a correlation between increasing SAR and decreased motility and vitality in sperm, increased oxidative stress and 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine markers, stimulating DNA base adduct formation and increased DNA fragmentation.[50]
Sleep and EEG effects

Sleep, EEG and waking rCBF have been studied in relation to RF exposure for a decade now, and the majority of papers published to date have found some form of effect. While a Finnish study failed to find any effect on sleep or other cognitive function from pulsed RF exposure,[51] most other papers have found significant effects on sleep.[52][53][54][55][56][57] Two of these papers found the effect was only present when the exposure was pulsed (amplitude modulated), and one early paper actually found that sleep quality (measured by the amount of participants' broken sleep) actually improved.

While some papers were inconclusive or inconsistent,[58][59] a number of studies have now demonstrated reversible EEG and rCBF alterations from exposure to pulsed RF exposure.[60][61][62][63] German research from 2006 found that statistically significant EEG changes could be consistently found, but only in a relatively low proportion of study participants (12 - 30%).[64]
Behavioral effects

A study on mice offspring suggested that cell phone use during pregnancy may cause behavioral problems that resemble the effects of ADHD.[65]"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/06/2013 03:52PM by Panchito.

mango peel

[en.wikipedia.org]

"HeLa cells were used to investigate the phytochemical compounds and the fundamental mechanism of the anticancer activity of the ethanolic extract of mango peel.[1] EEMP was found to contain various phenolic compounds and to activate death through apoptosis of human cervical malignant HeLa cells which suggests EEMP may help to prevent cervical cancer as well as other types of cancers.[1]

Knowing cancer prevents the occurrence of apoptosis, scientists study natural products and strive to obtain their apoptosis-activating promoters for usage in anticancer medication.[2] Mango, or Mangifera indica, is a tropical and subtropical grown fruit popular for its vibrant color, unique taste, and nutrient content.[3] Mango peel is 15-20% of the overall mass of mango fruit.[1] Different classes of polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins are found in mango fruit. These compounds contain various health-promoting properties such as antioxidant activity.[4] The mango peel consists of more polyphenols than the mango flesh.[5] Ethanolic extract of mango peel was found to contain high antioxidant[6] and antiproliferative activities associated with its phenolic and flavonoid composition.[7]

EEMP is found to be a good source of quercetin 3-O-galactoside, mangiferin gallate, isomangiferin gallate, quercetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside, and mangiferin as well as unsaturated fatty acids oleic acid, linoleic acid, and ethyl linoleate according to studies using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.[1] The activated death through apoptosis of human cervical malignant HeLa cells is evident by high growth of cells in the sub-G1 phase and the display of fragmented nuclei.[1] EEMP also decreases anti-apoptic Bcl-2 expression which influences proteolytic activation of caspase-3, 7, 8, and 9 along with the reduction of poly ADP-ribose polymerase protein.[1] Studies also claim of EEMP that both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways are involved in the apoptosis activation of HeLa cells.[1]"



blueberries, grapes

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Pterostilbene is a stilbenoid chemically related to resveratrol and is found in blueberries and grapes. It belongs to the group of phytoalexins, agents produced by plants to fight infections.[1] Based on animal studies it is thought to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertriglyceridemia properties, as well as the ability to fight off and reverse cognitive decline.[citation needed] It is believed that the compound also has anti-diabetic properties, but so far very little has been studied on this issue.[citation needed"

[en.wikipedia.org]

"In 2002, Rimando and University of Illinois at Chicago collaborators found in experiments using rat mammary glands that pterostilbene possessed potent anti-oxidant characteristics and possible cancer-fighting properties at concentrations similar to resveratrol.[15]

Additional work by Rimando and collaborators revealed a possible mechanism for pterostilbene's purported anti-cancer properties. Using mice cells, they demonstrated that pterostilbene, as well as other analogs of resveratrol, potently inhibits an enzyme called cytochrome P450.[16] (Cytochromes are found within the cells of animals, plants, bacteria, and other microorganisms that transport electrons. They’re also a factor in people’s varying response to drugs and toxins entering their bodies. Cytochrome P450 enzymes activate a variety of compounds known as "procarcinogens," which can turn substances such as cigarette smoke and pesticides into carcinogens.)

According to Rimando, Pterostilbene showed strong inhibitory activity, much more than resveratrol, against a particular form of cytochrome P450 in a mouse mammary gland culture assay."



broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, collard greens and kale

[en.wikipedia.org]

Indole-3-carbinol (C9H9NO) is produced by the breakdown of the glucosinolate glucobrassicin, which can be found at relatively high levels in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, collard greens and kale. I3C is also available in a dietary supplement.[2] Indole-3-carbinol is the subject of on-going Biomedical research into its possible anticarcinogenic,[3] antioxidant, and anti-atherogenic effects. Research on indole-3-carbinol has been conducted primarily using laboratory animals and cultured cells. Limited and inconclusive human studies have been reported. A recent review of the biomedical research literature found that "evidence of an inverse association between cruciferous vegetable intake and breast or prostate cancer in humans is limited and inconsistent" and "larger randomized controlled trials are needed" to determine if supplemental indole-3-carbinol has health benefits.[4]

"Investigation of mechanisms by which consumption of indole-3-carbinol might influence cancer incidence focuses on its ability to alter estrogen metabolism and other cellular effects. Controlled studies have been performed on such animals as rats, mice, and rainbow trout, introducing various controlled levels of carcinogens, and levels of Indole-3-carbinol into their daily diet. Results showed dose-related decreases in tumor susceptibility due to Indole-3-carbinol (inferred by decreases in aflatoxin-DNA binding). The first direct evidence of pure anti-initiating activity by a natural anticarcinogen (indole-3-carbinol) found in human diet was claimed by Dashwood, et al., in 1989.[5]

In 2006, Hsu et al. proved that indole-3-carbinol induces a G1 growth arrest of human reproductive cancer cells.[6] This is significant in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as the G1 phase of cell growth occurs early in the cell lifecycle, and, for most cells, is the major period of cell cycle during its lifespan. The G1 phase is marked by synthesis of various enzymes that are required in the next ("S" phase, including those needed for DNA replication.

Overuse of indole-3-carbinol supplements in the hope of preventing cancer may be unwise, as the hormone balance should be tested (via simple blood test) before regular consumption. Such caution is advised, due to its effect on estrogen levels (estrogen has a significant impact on brain function).[7][8]

It promotes liver cancer in trout when it is combined with Aflatoxin B1 and demotes metastasis.[2]"


gut flora

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Research suggests that the relationship between gut flora and humans is not merely commensal (a non-harmful coexistence), but rather a mutualistic relationship.[3] Though people can survive without gut flora,[4] the microorganisms perform a host of useful functions, such as fermenting unused energy substrates, training the immune system, preventing growth of harmful, pathogenic bacteria,[2] regulating the development of the gut, producing vitamins for the host[citation needed] (such as biotin and vitamin K), and producing hormones to direct the host to store fats. However, in certain conditions, some species are thought to be capable of causing disease by producing infection or increasing cancer risk for the host.[2][8]"

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Without gut flora, the human body would be unable to utilize some of the undigested carbohydrates it consumes, because some types of gut flora have enzymes that human cells lack for breaking down certain polysaccharides.[3] Rodents raised in a sterile environment and lacking in gut flora need to eat 30% more calories just to remain the same weight as their normal counterparts.[3] Carbohydrates that humans cannot digest without bacterial help include certain starches, fiber, oligosaccharides and sugars that the body failed to digest and absorb[2][10][11] like lactose in the case of lactose intolerance and sugar alcohols, mucus produced by the gut, and proteins.[10] A further result is flatulence, specifically due to the metabolism of oligosaccharides (notably from beans) by many different species.

Bacteria turn carbohydrates they ferment into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs)[8][10][11] by a form of fermentation called saccharolytic fermentation.[10] Products include acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid.[8][10][11] These materials can be used by host cells, providing a major source of useful energy and nutrients for humans,[10] as well as helping the body to absorb essential dietary minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.[2] Gases and organic acids, such as lactic acid, are also produced by saccharolytic fermentation.[11] Acetic acid is used by muscle, propionic acid helps the liver produce ATP, and butyric acid provides energy to gut cells and may prevent cancer.[10] Evidence also indicates that bacteria enhance the absorption and storage of lipids[3] and produce and then facilitate the body to absorb needed vitamins like vitamin K.

Another, less favorable type of fermentation, proteolytic fermentation, breaks down proteins like enzymes, dead host and bacterial cells, and collagen and elastin found in food, and can produce toxins and carcinogens in addition to SCFAs. Thus, a diet lower in protein reduces exposure to toxins.[2][8]"



salvestrols

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Salvestrols are a group of substances synthesized by plants. Plants produce salvestrols in response to being attacked by pathogenic organisms, such as fungi.[1][2] Salvestrols have been used as anticancer agents.[3]

Salvestrol is a new pharmacological definition and it is derived from the Latin word salve, meaning to save. A new definition is necessitated because although these natural molecules come from diverse classes of chemicals, they do share a common pharmacological effect which is they are non-toxic dietary phytochemicals that will be activated to toxic metabolites by tumour specific enzymes, such as CYP1B1."