Red Wine | A Metabolic Plan

While conventional medicine has made strides in treating colon cancer, the real goal is prevention and there is growing evidence that colon health may be promoted safely, effectively and naturally, using nutritional supplements.

Polyphenols, Plant-Based Anticancer Nutrients

Among the largest groups of plant-based nutrients with strong evidence of cancer-fighting potential is the polyphenol family. It includes the nutritional sub-groups tannins and flavonoids,which can slow, reverse or prevent cancer growth. The clinical evidence supporting polyphenols’ cancer-preventive power is considerable—and growing rapidly.These compounds are found in berries, tea, grapes/wine, olive oil, chocolate/cocoa, walnuts, and most other fruits and vegetables.

Here are a few of the polyphenol family’s most powerful members:

Curcumin

Recently, curcumin has emerged as a leading cancer fighter. Its nutritional profile includes antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin ranks among the polyphenols capable of disrupting a cancer that has started to develop and slow or stop tumor growth by apoptosis (cell destruction) and angiogenesis which limits blood vessel growth that tumors need to spread. Studies have shown that curcumin suppressed tumor growth in lab cultures better than a known chemo drug and with no toxicity.

Recently, it was discovered that a combination of curcumin and another anti-inflammatory polyphenol called quercetin (see below) could cause precancerous polyps to diminish substantially.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural antibacterial agent and is found in many fruits and berries, including grapes, blueberries, and plums. It also appears in high concentrations in red wine. Clinical evidence suggests that resveratrol may specifically target colon cancer althought it is effective in fighting other cancers.
Researchers found that not only does it suppress cell proliferation—resveratrol activates the so-called “cancer-executioner protein” caspase-3. which starts apoptosis (cell destruction), but inflicts no cellular damage to normal human tissue. Resveratrol blocks the reproductive cycle in colon cancer cells by neutralizing the enzymes they need in order to replicate.

This makes resveratrol, along with curcumin, one of the most promising natural anticancer agents known to modern science.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a type of antioxidant called a flavonoid. Sources of quercetin are onions, garlic, tea, red grapes, berries, broccoli, apples and leafy greens. Quercetin also happens to possess a singular cancer-fighting feature: it can prevent cancer caused by chemicals. It blocks receptors that interact with carcinogenic chemical compounds. This makes it a perfect anticancer agent for the colon, where these chemicals tend to accumulate.

Quercetin dramatically suppresses one particular cancer-causing gene in colon cells so it is of great importance for individuals with a family history of colon cancer. As with curcumin and resveratrol, quercetin can block cancer development at many different stages.

Green Tea and EGCG

Green tea is rich in polyphenol compounds called catechins. The best-known cancer-preventive agent among them is called EGCG. Like resveratrol, EGCG slows blood vessel formation in tumors (angiogenesis), reducing the rate at which they can grow and spread. Consumption of green tea as a beverage may offer some protection against colon cancer. However, the higher, more concentrated doses of EGCG available in supplements may be required to get the maximum benefit. EGCG alongside curcumin and resveratrol is one of nature’s most potent polyphenols and a major force in fighting and possibly preventing colon cancer.

In addition, scientists discovered that green tea polyphenols generally deliver a direct preventive effect against colorectal cancer recurrence. In the study that was done, patients who had cancerous or precancerour polyps removed were given either a green tea-derived flavonoid mixture or a placebo. After four years. the placebo group experienced a 47% recurance rate and only 7% of the supplemented group had a recurrence.

The amount of research into plants-based treatments and prevention of many diseases is growing. While they don’t not have all of the answers, it is to our benefit to keep up with this every-growing body of information. We can indeed affect our health and in a very natural way.

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2 Comments

Continuing on the subject of inflammation there is more and more evidence that the risk of heart disease and/or diabetes can be greatly reduced by lowering inflammation.

Are you at high risk for heart disease or diabetes? During your yearly blood work, note the level of CRP (C-reactive Protein). This is a measure of hidden inflammation – it shows if there is inflammation active in your blood vessels, for instance. If the levels of CRP are high (>3.0 mg/L) the risk of a heart attack can double or triple. This is something you need to discuss with your doctor to understand what your individual risk is.

There are, however, several lifestyle changes one can make if you are at high risk and everyone should follow as a matter of staying healthy.

Exercise: 30-60 minutes/day has been shown in studies to significantly reduce inflammation – this should include aerobic as well as strength training.
Weight loss improves insulin response and lowers inflammation.
Eating Healthy – one diet that seems to be an overall diet to follow is the Mediterranean diet. It is primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts and fish with basically no processed foods.

Besides these three critical things to do, supplements of fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) and Vitamin D can greatly reduce inflammation as well as improve other important functions. There are many other supplements that have been found t o reduce inflammation as well, such as DHEA, chromium, white bean extract, magnesium and flavinoids. Flavinoids are found in green tea, dark chocolate, apples and cinnamon as well as red wine which contains resveratrol.

Start making small changes in your lifestyle now and you will over time make large changes in the quality of life you will experience. Of course, you should discuss with your doctor the changes you are making as you may have special needs.