Antioxidants: Role in Cancer Prevention

When we talk about cancer prevention, we must understand that there is no hundred percent guaranteed way for cancer prevention. We should do what we can so as to minimize the chances of getting cancer. Over past 3-4 decades, substantial research has taken place to conclusively find out various nutritional ingredients which will assist us in preventing cancer.

Antioxidants are a group of food substances that have shown very promising tendency for improving our capacity to prevent various health conditions and diseases like cancer.

Role of Antioxidants:-Antioxidants work by removing free radicals from our body and blood stream. The free radicals are naturally produced in our body during metabolism and during conversion of food into energy. These are also produced because of smoking, alcohol consumption, and because of pollution and radiation exposure.  As the name indicates, these are free radicals meaning these are charged particles having negative charge. The most common free radical is negatively charged Oxygen .  Due to this charge, these radicals are more reactive and they combine with cell membranes, DNA structure which can be a cause for the birth of cancer cells.   The role of Antioxidants is to neutralize these charged free radicals.

Sources of Antioxidants: Antioxidant are found in high percentage in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grains. The active antioxidant chemicals in these substances are Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

These food substances which are rich in Antioxidants are also useful to body in many other ways.

§  Beta-Carotene is found in food substances having orange color. For example, carrot, pumpkin, mango, apricots and green leafy vegetables like spinach. Beta-carotene seems to reduce risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and post menopausal age related eye diseases. It helps in improving physical performance in aged people. It is also proved to be useful for patients with asthma and bronchitis.

§  Lutein is found in dark green vegetables and in egg yolk. Lutein improves health of eyes and skin.

§  Lycopene found in red colored fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, watermelon. This substance is proved to be useful for preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

§  Vitamin A is found in fish oils, liver, carrot, milk and egg. The health benefits of this vitamin are very well known. This Vitamin is useful for good eye sight, skin and hair. It is also very strong antioxidant. It is also necessary for healthy bone growth and healthy immune system.

§  Vitamin E is found in corn oil, soybean oil, margarine, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil and in germinating seeds. Apart from being very strong antioxidant, it plays a vital role in improving body immunity and metabolic system.

§  Vitamin C is found in all citrus fruits, vegetables and tomatoes. Apart from being very strong antioxidant, it also improves body’s resistance to diseases, promotes healing, and improves absorption of iron. It improves health of skin, bones and connective tissues.

One can clearly see that it is easy to incorporate sufficient quantity of antioxidants in regular diet. This can help in cancer prevention and also in improving general health.

There are many antioxidant supplements available but it is always advisable to get these antioxidants from natural sources and from balanced diet.

All the means for healthy living are there with Mother Nature.