'The Carotenoid Family' May Reduce Cancer Risk

Don’t avoid the ‘noids

Beta-carotene has been a buzzword in cancer prevention circles for some time, but that one carotene doesn’t tell the whole story. Turns out there are 500-600 carotenoids, 40 of which can be found in the human diet, and 14 of those that can be readily absorbed and used in the body. In addition to the popular beta-carotene, which is highly regarded for its ability to convert to the life-sustaining vitamin A, also of health significance is: alpha carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and lutein.

It has been known for some time that lycopene, another popular carotene, provides protection against prostate cancer. But a recent study has shown that the entire carotenoid family is associated with a reduced cancer risk, prostate cancer in particular.

That means more tomatoes, carrots, spinach, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, apricots, mangoes, pumpkin, watermelon, and the like. Opt for colorful fruits and vegetables and you’ll be on the right track.

Dr. Wright also advises lots of Brassica vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. As with breast cancer, keeping your 2/16 ratio of “good” to “bad” estrogens in check is important for you, too. Unfortunately, testosterone can convert to estrogen in a process called aromatization, which can cause your system to get out of whack. Also, if you’re in a high-risk category, you should also consider taking supplemental selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

While prostate cancer has a much higher survival rate than many other cancers, it’s not to be taken lightly. The truth is that prostate cancer claims 30,000 such lives a year, yet it is almost always curable when detected early, and is highly preventable by making some changes in diet and lifestyle.

Same, but different

Q: I’ve just heard that Coke and Pepsi are each launching a new soda sweetened with Splenda this year. I’ve heard people say it’s the same as sugar, but low-cal. That doesn’t quite sound right to me, though. Are they just trying to pull the wool over our eyes, or is it really a safe new sugar alternative?

JVW: Splenda (sucralose) was introduced in 2000 as an alternative to table sugar. It is 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), is stable in heat so it can be used for baking, and has no calories. But the truth is, no one really knows about its safety.

There simply are no long-term, independent studies on humans or on heavy consumption. The makers of Splenda claim that it’s “made with sugar so it tastes like sugar” implying that it’s natural and perfectly harmless.

In all fairness, they do begin with a sugar molecule. But the similarities end there. Sucralose is manufactured in a factory by removing three hydrogen-oxygen atoms from the original sugar molecule and replacing them with three atoms of chlorine. Never, at any time, is this combination found in nature.

The only good thing about the new diet sodas you mention is that they will be clearly labeled with the Splenda brand — so you’ll know to steer clear.

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What are…carotenoids?

Carotenoids were first discovered in 1831 when they were isolated in carrots. By 1837 another researcher realized the yellow pigments in autumn leaves were related. This kicked off a flurry of research that extends into a wide variety of fields including chemistry, biochemistry, biology, medicine, and physics to name a few.

Without carotenoids plants would be destroyed soon after sunrise: Their strong antioxidant qualities provide plants with protection against the free radical molecules produced when plants are exposed to sunlight.

Based on the results of numerous studies, it’s becoming more and more clear that carotenoids function similarly to the B-complex of vitamins in that they’re more powerful together than they are alone. Which is why a rich diet with a full array of carotenoids may provide more health benefits than isolating and supplementing with any one individually.

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing

Sources:
Jian L, Du CJ, Lee AH, Binns CW. “Do dietary lycopene and other carotenoids protect against prostate cancer?” Int J Cancer 2005; 113(6): 1,010-1,014