DIET AND SCIENCE
Diet, what we eat is closely related to our health. It is important to know to be able to choose and protect ourselves better, live healthier and longer.
DIET AND SCIENCE – HIGH FAT CONTENT, BREAST CANCER RISK, HYPERLIPIDIC DIET, DECREASED INTRACELLULAR CALCIUM
Diet and science; a high-fat diet is associated with an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. The effects of a hyperlipidic diet could involve a decrease in intracellular calcium. Very clear data show that dietary fiber is inversely correlated with colon cancer risk. Compounds capable of inducing enzymes that detoxify chemical carcinogens include those found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli cabbage, cauliflower). Selenium. Selenium is found in high amounts in fish and certain vegetables (onion, garlic)-the anticancer properties of selenium have been demonstrated in experimental animals, in which this element is able to reduce lung cancer. Low incidence and mortality rates of breast, colon and prostate cancers found in China and Japan could be related to the traditional consumption of soy foods.
FATS
A diet high in fat is associated with an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, having the effect of determining an increase in hormone levels capable of promoting cell proliferation. In a group of U.S. women at high risk of developing breast cancer, a diet with reduced caloric intake, from about 39% to 22% (experimental diet with reduced use of fatty dairy products, red meat and fatty condiments) was prescribed. An advantageous modification of the lipid-hormonal picture was obtained (Gorbach SM, MOrril – La Brode A and coll, Changes in food patterns during a low-fat dietary intervention in women (J Am.Diet. Ass) 90 (6): 802 -809, 1990 However, fats are not all the same. The same applies to the saturated fats of land animals (omega-6 fats), while the relatively unsaturated fats of marine animals (omega-3 fats) have less harmful or even positive effects on health. Omega-3 fats act as antioxidants
DIETARY FIBERS
Dietary fibers are plant components that are poorly attacked by the digestive enzymes of mammals (ligniges, pectins, vegetable gums and other compounds that are degraded by fungi or fungi).
THE mechanism of action of fibers in the protective action is multiple. The presence of indigestible fibers retains water in the intestinal lumen, increasing the volume of food mass, accelerating the speed of transit along the alimentary canal and increasing the quantity of feces and the rapidity of their expulsion. Fiber exerts a cleansing and diluting function of any carinogenic compounds that may be present and reduces the contact time of any food component with the epithelial wall.
CRUCIFEROUS AND ISOTHIOCYANATES
Cruciferae, are a family of plants having four petals structure of the flowers in the shape of a cross. Among cruciferous plants there are those of Brassica genus (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and similar plants); they have a strong inductive power of detoxifying enzymes. The anti-cancer properties of crucifers are due to their contents – isothiocyanates – which have been shown in experimental animals to inhibit carcinogenesis in many target organs (lung, esophagus, liver, breast, bladder). Isothiocyanates are able to reduce the frequency and number of tumors induced by chemical carcinogens, and also the incidence of precancerous lesions in organs such as the esophagus where they can be detected experimentally. Recent researches, moreover, have identified in broccoli sprouts an excellent source of anticarcinogenic compounds that can enhance detoxifying defenses
SELENIUM
Selenium together with vitamins makes up the group of so-called micronutrients, and is related to antioxidant substances, especially vitamin C and E, as well as with the enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.
The anticarcinogenic properties of selenium are able to reduce the development of lung cancer.
They are found in high quantities in fish (tuna) and certain vegetables (garlic, onion).
SOYA
The low rates of incidence and mortality of breast, colon and prostate cancers found in China and Japan could be linked primarily to the high consumption of soy-based foods in these countries.
Soybeans contain substances with anticarinogenic action.
One of the most active substances is genistein, an isoflavonoid with a mild estrogen-like action that in animal models acts as an antiestrogen. Genistein acts as an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase protein kinase tyrosine and other enzymes important in cell proliferative signal transduction.
( source : Medical, scientific and traditional dietetics, cure and. prevent with food, Bologna Di Stanislao, Corradin, Giovanardi Mazzanti, Casa Editrice Amborsiana 1999).