Can High Fiber Diet Help Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Can High Fiber Diet Help Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Scientists have studied that the rate of prostate cancer occurrence is similar among Asian and Western societies, yet the rate of disease progression is much higher in Western men, leading to a significantly increased death rate among this population. 

Why?  A University of Colorado Cancer Center study published in the January 2013 issue of the journal Cancer Prevention Research shows that the answer may be a high-fiber diet, which may have the clinical potential to control the progression of prostate cancer in patients diagnosed in early stages of the disease.

High Fiber Diet to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Researchers developed a mouse model to test the influence of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), a major component of high-fiber diets, on the progression of prostate cancer tumors and subsequent malignant growth. Mice with existing prostate cancer were divided into two groups. The first group was fed a standard diet with the addition of IP6, while the second group received the same diet and served as a control group.

The lead study author, Dr. Komal Raina noted "The study's results were really rather profound. We saw dramatically reduced tumor volumes, primarily due to the anti-angiogenic effects of IP6."Scientists determined that the bioactive compound kept prostate tumors from making the new blood vessels they require to supply themselves with energy. Without this energy, prostate cancer can't grow. Additionally, they found that the cancerous tumor cells metabolized glucose at a much slower rate, inhibiting their ability to grow from their preferred fuel source.

Dr. Raina concluded "Researchers have long been looking for genetic variations between Asian and Western peoples that could explain the difference in prostate cancer progression rates, but now it seems as if the difference may not be genetic but dietary. Asian cultures get IP6 whereas Western cultures generally do not." Boost your natural intake of IP6 and fiber by adding six to ten servings of fresh vegetables, fruit and legumes to your daily diet to significantly lower the risk of prostate cancer and most other forms of cancer. 

Sources
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130109162032.htm
http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/6/1/40

Wheat Grass for Cancer Prevention!

Wheat Grass for Cancer Prevention!

Cancer has become a major killer in modern world and is thought to be related to factors such as genetics, environmental toxins and immune system dysfunction. A healthy immune system is often able to keep cancerous processes in check, although modern lifestyles hamper immunity in many ways. In addition to stress, over-medication and chronic infections, malnutrition are primary causes of weakened immune response. Although there is no single cure for cancer, super foods such as wheat grass is said to help the immune system to function optimally and provide an internal environment that cancer cells do not flourish in.

  

Wheat grass, obtained from common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), is one of the most nutritious substances containing over 90 minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium. It is also rich in essential enzymes such as protease which assists in protein digestion, cytochrome oxidase, a reputed antioxidant, amylase known to facilitate digestion, lipase which is a fat splitting enzyme, transhydrogenase said to strengthen the heart & superoxide dismutase known for its ability ameliorate the effects of radiation and slow down aging. Wheat grass is also known to be a good source of amino acids (such as arginine, serine, absenisic, lysine, aspartic acid, glycine, alanine, methionine, leucine, tryptophane, phenylalanine, valine), which are the building blocks of proteins, essential for growth & regeneration.

Wheatgrass is beneficial for our health in many ways. It is a great source of vitamins B, C, E and carotene which act as antioxidants and destroy free radicals and hence, cleanse the body off the same. Studies reveal that the chlorophyll present in wheat grass is almost identical to the haemoglobin found in RBCs of the blood with the only difference that the central element in chlorophyll is magnesium and in hemoglobin, it's iron. Therefore, it is useful for those suffering from anemia. Wheat grass also keeps a check on the blood pressure by dilating the blood pathways though out the body, promote metabolism and energize the body.

Being highly antibacterial, wheat grass alkalizes and detoxifies the lymph and blood cells, helping the body to rebuild and transport toxins out of the body quickly and effectively. Several laboratory studies have highlighted the role of wheat grass as protectors against carcinogens (cancer causing agents) as it reduces the absorption of a number of potent carcinogens, detoxifies the liver and neutralizes polluting elements within the blood.

Because it is high in saponin, wheat grass helps to detoxify the body by increasing the elimination of hardened mucous, crystallized acids and solidified, decaying fecal matter and thus, provides an optimum nutritional environment inside the body system. Wheat grass is an extremely effective way of boosting the immune system to fight against diseases. It also contains several active enzymes which play a major role in breaking down fats, undertaking biological functions and assist hugely in weight loss.

Wheat grass also regulates blood sugar levels in the blood and is quite beneficial for diabetics. It also treats weakness and fatigue as it is immediately absorbed in the blood stream and gives instant energy.  It contains antioxidants which repair damaged cells and rejuvenates aging cells. Last but not the least, it also improves digestion & metabolism.

Most nutritionists recommend a diet of whole, nutrient-dense foods for people undergoing cancer treatment or seeking protection from cancer recurrence, and wheat grass juice may be a healthy addition to this type of diet.

How to Grow Wheat Grass at Home?

It is possible to grow wheat grass at home. It usually takes 6-9 days for the seed to germinate & develop into grass that is ready for juicing. If the seeds are kept at temperature around 70 degrees, it will last for long. The fresh grass should be cut & juice within a week, after that it will lose its benefits & would become bitter. 

For growing the plant, sprout the seeds in water for 6- 10 hours. Fill a 4-inch deep seed tray with a mix of peat moss and top soil. Drain the seeds & sprinkle them evenly over the soil, then cover them with top soil. Water the tray lightly without disturbing the evenness of the soil. Set the tray in direct sunlight and continue watering as needed. When the grass grows 7 inches tall (takes about 7-10 days), harvest and juice as required.

Wheat grass is also available in many health food stores as fresh produce, tablets, juice and powder.