“🌱Natural Defenders: How Polyphenols, Selenium & More May Help Prevent Cancer”

Did you know that many cancer-fighting compounds may already be on your plate?

From the vibrant colors of fruits and spices to the trace elements in nuts and seeds, nature provides us with a powerful arsenal against chronic diseases—including cancer.

Here’s what the latest science says about some of the most promising natural compounds in cancer prevention.

🍇 Polyphenols: The Colorful Warriors in Plants

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in berries, green tea, grapes, turmeric, cocoa, and even red wine.

🔍 What makes them special?

• Over 8,000 types exist in nature

• Found in hundreds of foods

• Known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties

💪 How they may protect you:

• Block harmful cell growth (cell cycle arrest)

• Trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis)

• Inhibit new blood vessel formation in tumors (anti-angiogenesis)

• Reactivate tumor-suppressor genes like p53 and RB

• Neutralize carcinogens via detox enzymes

• Normalize cell signaling and hormonal balance

🌟 Fun fact: Pomegranate juice and Kakadu plum juice were recently shown to reactivate RB genes and prevent colon cancer in animal models.

✅ Best food sources:

• Green tea (epigallocatechin)

• Berries (anthocyanins)

• Dark chocolate

• Red onions, turmeric, citrus peel

⚠️ Caution: At high doses, some polyphenols may act as pro-oxidants, especially in supplement form.

🧂 Selenium: A Trace Element with a Big Role

Selenium is a micronutrient that helps make glutathione peroxidase, one of the body’s most important antioxidants.

📉 What studies show:

• May lower risk of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps

• Less effective for lung or prostate cancer

• Excess intake may raise the risk of kidney cancer

✅ Best food sources:

• Brazil nuts

• Seafood

• Whole grains

• Eggs

⚠️ Stick to dietary sources only—avoid high-dose selenium supplements unless prescribed.

🔗 Iron: Vital, But Handle With Care

Iron is essential for making DNA and supporting energy in cells—but too much iron can fuel cancer by producing oxidative stress.

📌 Key insights:

• High iron levels have been linked to colon and liver cancers

• Studies show that lowering iron levels via phlebotomy (blood donation) reduced cancer mortality in high-risk patients

✅ Balanced iron is crucial:

• Lean meats, spinach, lentils provide iron

• Don’t take iron supplements without checking blood levels

• Donate blood periodically if medically eligible

🧪 Sulfur-Containing Compounds: The New Frontier

Compounds like thiols and cysteine persulfides (found in garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables) are being studied for their:

• Strong antioxidant action

• Neutralizing toxic oxygen radicals

• Possible role in blocking cancer-promoting pathways

📖 Still in early research, but these natural compounds may one day join the frontline in diet-based cancer prevention.

📌 Final Thoughts

Cancer prevention is not about one “magic pill”—it’s about a lifestyle rich in diverse, natural protective compounds:

✅ Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables

✅ Enjoy green tea, nuts, spices, and whole grains

✅ Avoid unnecessary supplements unless deficient

✅ Keep your iron levels balanced

✅ Stay curious and informed—because science evolves!

📍 At Dr. Rajiv Cancer Clinic, we guide you toward the best of both worlds: cutting-edge treatment and nature-backed prevention strategies.

– Dr. Rajiv Mohan, Medical Oncologist

📚 References:

• World Cancer Research Fund: wcrf.org

• National Cancer Institute – Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention

• SELECT and ATBC trials (via PubMed Central)

• Nakamura et al., 2021 – Polyphenols and tumor suppressor gene activation

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium & Iron Fact Sheets