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Diet And Cancer |
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| Diet And Cancer Researchers have found more evidence that a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer. Researchers led by Charles Elson of the University of Wisconsin identified two compounds found in fruits, vegetables and grains that inhibit tumor growth. One compound, called gamma-tocotrienol, is found in cereal grains and has a similar structure to vitamin E, researchers report. In laboratory studies, researchers found gamma-tocotrienol slowed the growth of leukemia and breast cancer cells. Beta-ionone, another compound found in many fruits and vegetables, is similar to beta-carotene and was shown to block the growth of leukemia, breast cancer and colon cancer cells. Researchers also say human cancer cells appeared to be three times more sensitive to these compounds than noncancer cells. Elson says these compounds probably work together and enhance one another in their ability to prevent cancer cells from growing. "Our findings strengthen the idea that a diet rich in plants is beneficial because of the large array of plant compounds rather than the singular action of one kind of plant or one compound in plants," Elson says. "I don't think that it's the presence of meat in diets that leads to health problems, but the lack of fruits, grains and vegetables. The people who eat a lot of animal products are often the same individuals that don't eat enough fruits and vegetables." |
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