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- SPECIAL TO MSNBC - Research continues to support the
importance of a balanced, plant-based diet, even though science is not
yet able to identify with certainty how each specific component of such
a diet works.
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- That's the bottom-line conclusion of the latest research
conference sponsored by the American Institute for Cancer Research. This
year,s conference focused on phytochemicals, a wide variety of substances
that occur naturally in plant foods: fruits, vegetables, legumes (dried
beans) and grains. Several presentations focused on phytochemicals in onions
and garlic. In test tube studies, some of the compounds were able to block
the formation of a major cancer-causing substance, and helped maintain
normal cell growth and structure that are important to prevent the cells
from developing into cancer. But many conference speakers expressed concern
that selectively boosting intake of individual phytochemicals based on
laboratory research like this is inappropriate until we know how they work
in people.
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- <http://www.msnbc.com/news/197690.asp MSNBC reports
on meals that heal
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- Research presented at the conference also suggests that
onion and garlic may help people lower their risk of cancer if consumed
daily or perhaps weekly. But other findings presented on phytochemicals
in these and other vegetables and fruits demonstrated that the effect of
these substances cannot be simply related to the amount consumed. Rather,
it is influenced by how they are processed and by interactions with the
rest of what we eat. For example, several researchers reported on lycopene,
found in dark red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, red grapefruit
and watermelon. Lycopene may help in prevention of prostate and other cancers.
Contrary to some popular assertions that vegetables are always most valuable
when eaten raw, lycopene from tomatoes is most usable by the body when
it comes in processed products like tomato juice, soup and sauce. Other
reports at the conference related to antioxidants, compounds that prevent
or repair damage to cells caused by highly reactive substances produced
in our bodies by pollution, sunlight, and normal body processes. While
some consumers are familiar with the antioxidant capabilities of nutrients
such as vitamins C and E, research has identified many phytochemicals that
are potent antioxidants, including those found in large amounts in raisins,
plums, most berries and whole grains.
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- ADDITIONAL RESEARCH NEEDED
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- Throughout the two-day conference, scientists repeatedly
emphasized the need for additional research to accurately identify which
phytochemicals (and in which forms) can actually help prevent cancer or
slow its growth. In the meantime, researchers underscored the distinction
between the need for further study before isolated phytochemical supplements
are used and the strong support that already exists for the cancer preventive
potential of a predominantly plant-based diet. Researchers continued to
support the conclusions of the American Institute for Cancer Research,s
report on diet and cancer prevention " that a balanced, plant-based
diet could bring about a major drop in cancer rates. The key, they say,
is to make a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains the major
part of what we eat each day.
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- Karen Collins is a registered dietitian with the American
Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C.
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