Cancer-preventing Lycopene

  • Jaspal Bajwa
  • India
  • Sep 26, 2014

 

 

Years ago, a weighing scale being delicately balanced by the deft hands of a seller offering fresh produce was a common sight. Since then the accuracy and speed of digital gauges has virtually relegated manual scales to the museum. In the process we may have lost one of the most graphic images of what it takes to achieve ‘balance’ – or, to ‘tip the scales’. If we had the ability to visualise what happens inside our bodies, we would probably see a similar ‘balancing’ or ‘tipping’ action. Our body is constantly endeavouring to maintain a balance of optimal health (through ‘Homeostasis’). Once in a while the balance goes awry and ‘dis-ease’ enters our life. The key triggers for this dis-balance are: our foods (on our physical body), our thoughts (on our mind) and our feelings (on our hearts). Equally important is the level of physical activity that we indulge in, to help us burn off calories and keep our muscles and joints well lubricated. What happens when the body loses this ability to achieve a homeostatic balance? What may start as a constant feeling of tiredness and insomnia can rapidly progress to chronic fatigue, deep allergies and elevated blood pressure, resulting in a headlong slide into chronic disease and premature death. It is therefore important to remain ‘health alert’. Every moment of the day our body’s cells are at the receiving end of a constant barrage of ‘free-radicals’ – a very reactive and unstable group of atoms that rob electrons from other healthy cells. This gives rise to all kind of unhealthy imbalances, damaging the very DNA of our cells, leading to premature ageing and in many cases even cancers. Nature, in its wisdom, has given our body a magnificent defence system, of ‘antioxidants’ – which can interrupt the damaging reactions of the free radicals and help us build our resilience. However, before grabbing any pills (off-the-shelf supplements being our ‘natural’ cure-all nowadays), we should realise that natural foods - especially seasonal, organically produced fruits and vegetables - are probably the best source for potent antioxidants, phytochemicals, flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins. Not surprisingly, experts are strongly recommending a balanced diet of 6-7 servings of vegetables and fruit each day, with an emphasis on plant sources - especially colorful ones from the VIBGYOR range. Chlorophyll rich green leafy cruciferous vegetables, alliums (garlic, onion, leeks) and turmeric are key, as is balancing the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 & 9 fats. Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, quinoa) should be opted for, along with a wide variety of nuts, seeds (flax) and beans – in preference to processed or overly refined carbs, Meat and alcohol consumption should be avoided, or at least limited. The presence of probiotic bacteria (yoghurt and fermented foods) and a sufficient quantity of digestive enzymes, in the gut, helps in ensuring the maximum absorption of nutrients. It is, however, important to not over-consume food – our calorie intake must always be in sync with our activity/lifestyle.   


Tip of the Week

Carotenoids are pigments that give orange, yellow or red colour to fruits and vegetables. These have been attracting attention, since the 1920s, in various cancer-prevention efforts. More recently, one of the carotenoids - Lycopene - has been attracting a lot of attention, as its antioxidant activity is twice that of others. It seems that Lycopene may have the ability to reduce the risk of certain cancers (especially ovarian, gastric, lung and pancreatic). Lycopene is also being investigated for its application in chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Deficiency of Lycopene-rich foods in the diet can put women at increased risk of osteoporosis. However, in the quest for seeking a ‘silver-bullet’, we must not get carried away by thinking that Lycopene is a magic wand. Mindlessly consuming high potency Lycopene supplements may not be the best solution. Lycopene-rich natural fruits also contain vitamins, potassium and other carotenoids and antioxidants in large measure. It is entirely possible that the presence of all these phytochemicals as an array may in fact account for some of the protective effects that are in evidence. There can be other factors at work too - for example, a recent study has suggested that the presence of a particular gene (XRCC1) may make a difference to whether Lycopene intake would help repair DNA and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.


Natureís Wonder Food(s) of the Week:  Lycopene-rich Foods

Lycopene is found in a number of natural fruits and vegetables, including guava, watermelon, tomato, papaya, sweet red peppers, asparagus, red (purple) cabbage, apricots, mango, carrots, corn bran, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, berries, leafy greens, celery, squash and beans. Tomatoes, however, are the most concentrated and convenient food source of Lycopene. Interestingly, the bio-availability  of Lycopene is greater in processed tomato products, such as tomato paste and tomato puree, than it is in raw tomatoes. It seems the Lycopene from orange and tangerine coloured tomatoes (not the deep red ones) may actually be better absorbed. Of course, tomatoes are also rich in Vitamins C & E, beta-carotene, manganese and many other phytonutrients (like flavonones, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, carotenoids, glycosides and fatty acid derivatives). Some studies indicate that the eating of Lycopene-rich vegetables and fruits, together with a small amount of oil or fat (especially Omega 3 fats or Olive oil), can increase the amount of Lycopene absorbed by the intestines.


For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions


Read More...


  • print
  • comnt
  • share

News from Communities

lowadd
  • Friday Gurgaon Seminar

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2014/8/2014_8$thumbimg129_Aug_2014_160822730.jpgOrange Fish
  • Gurgaon Speaks Up-Rest in Peace ''Damini''-Saturday Dec 29 @ Leisure Valley

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2013/1/2013_1$thumbimg104_Jan_2013_143656130.jpgOrange Fish
  • Genesis Foundation Fund Raiser

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/8/2012_8$thumbimg114_Aug_2012_091411630.jpgOrange Fish
  • Coca Cola Cricket trophy played in Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg117_Mar_2012_180857977.jpgOrange Fish
  • Union Budget 2012

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg116_Mar_2012_123404760.jpgOrange Fish
  • Union Budget 2012

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg116_Mar_2012_122004320.jpgOrange Fish
  • Renge Art Walk

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg102_Mar_2012_095312690.jpgOrange Fish
  • Friday Gurgaon Cricket team

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/2/2012_2$thumbimg119_Feb_2012_195202840.jpgOrange Fish
  • Genesis Fundraiser Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/1/2012_1$thumbimg129_Jan_2012_072409630.jpgOrange Fish
  • Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/1/2012_1$thumbimg102_Jan_2012_165747220.jpgOrange Fish

Latest Issue

Poll

Do you think government should reconsider its policy of promoting liquor vends in Gurgaon?



votebox View Results