Historic Rollin' Oats Journal: Food Phytes Disease

Food Phytes Disease

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" is an old adage that as of late had no scientific basis. However, recent studies have produced some fascinating results, proving that not only do the phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables keep the doctor away, but they also may keep cancer and heart disease at bay. 

For years the scientific community has observed that people with diets rich in vegetables, legumes, and grains and low in animal products have experienced fewer instances of cancer and heart disease. However, the whys and wherefores of this phenomenon are just now being fully understood. Phytochemicals are what they're talking about, the hundreds of chemicals that are found in plant foods. 

Although the majority of the studies have been done using animals or isolated cells, the results concur with empirical data of long-lived populations. 

One such population is the Japanese. Scientists in Germany have found a compound called genisten in the urine of people who eat a traditional Japanese diet. This compound was found to block an event called angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. Therefore, the compound may be able to prevent and/or treat many types of tumors by preventing their growth. 

The positive benefits of vegetables are not limited to genisten. Scientists have found that yellow and green vegetables, citrus fruits and melons aid in ridding the body of hazardous molecules called free radicals which can mutate genes and set the foundation for cancer. It has also been found that rosemary, green tea and curcamin (found in curry powder) all suppress cancer growth. They act as antioxidants and neutralize free radicals. 

As more studies are performed, scientists will be better able to explain why plant foods are so beneficial in fighting cancer. There is one thing we can be sure of: stick to your mother's good advice and "Eat your vegetables!"

--Lisa Leonard

Phytochemicals: Cancer Fighters in Food

There are hundreds of phytochemicals. Here are some more widely studied ones. Remember, this is information from tests done on animals or in a test tube, so none of this information has been proven to prevent or retard cancer in people.