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Different Foods and
Their Benefits
Studies of
Lycopene, an antioxidant derived from tomatoes and some other vegetables,
suggest it can help prevent prostate cancer. Silymarin, an antioxidant found in
Milk Thistle, offered protection from skin cancer in mice. It also decreases the
activity of carcinogens and has other protective benefits.
Green and Black Tea
contain polyphenols (antioxidants) as well as catechins, substances that may
have significant anti-cancer and antibacterial properties. Studies of Ginseng
suggest it can slow the development of colon cancer and may have other
anti-cancer properties. Reishi Mushrooms have been found to significantly
inhibit the growth of leukemia cells in mice.
Genistein, a chemical found in Soybeans may protect against prostate cancer by
inhibiting the male hormones that promote the growth of prostate cancer. Soy may
also help prevent breast cancer. Fiber has been shown to lower the risk of
colon, prostate and breast cancers. Rosemary has proven to protect test animals
from some cancers. Flax and Licorice have been touted to have cancer fighting
potential. Ginkgo and Kudzu have proven antioxidant properties.
Different Foods and
Their Benefits
Check out what is in some of the foods we eat and their benefits.
|
Food |
Chemical |
Benefit |
|
Apples |
Quercetin |
Inhibits
tumour growth |
|
Apricots |
Lycopene |
Reduces
prostate cancer risk, protect cholesterol from oxidation |
|
Artichoke |
Silymarin |
Prevents skin
cancer (in mice at least!) |
|
Asparagus |
Glutathione |
Powerful
antioxidant, numerous effects |
|
Barley |
Tocotrienols
Lignans |
Antioxidants
Prevents blood clots |
|
Berries |
Ellagic Acid |
Cancer
Prevention |
|
Broccoli |
Sulphoraphanes |
Cancer
Prevention |
|
Celery |
3-n-butyl
phthalide |
Reduces blood
pressure |
|
Cherries |
Cinnamic acid |
Protect
against free radical from fungi |
|
Tomatoes |
Chlorogenic
acid & Coumaric acid |
Reduce lung
and bowel cancer risk |
|
Onions |
Various
sulphur compounds |
Reduce
cholesterol level, thin blood, reduce cancer risk |
|
Mushrooms
(Shiitake) |
Lentinan |
Enhance immune
function |
|
Flaxseed |
Lignans |
Slow growth
and proliferation of tumour cell |
|
Beans |
Lignans,
isoflavones, saponins, protease inhibitors |
Cancer
prevention, gastric ulcer prevention |
This is a tiny representation of the huge range of phytonutrients and their
health benefits. There are many thousands of them and their effects are
wide-ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive, anti-ageing, anitoxidant,
anti-ulcer, anti diabetic to anti everything!
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