Significance of Dietary Antioxidants in Averting Cancer

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species are constantly produced in our body due to various factors like environmental pollution, unhealthy diet habits, cellular metabolism etc. Epidemiological studies suggest that the intakes of antioxidants are inversely related to the cancer risk. While the cell culture studies confirm the effect of antioxidants against cancer, the clinical trials remains inconclusive. The human population is heterogeneous regarding Reactive oxygen species (ROS), so screening the human population for developing the risk of cancer will provide a scientific ground for the application of antioxidants. Research is increasingly showing that those who eat antioxidant-rich foods reap health benefits. Foods, rather than supplements, may boost antioxidant levels because foods contain an unmatchable array of antioxidant substances.

The Two Sides of Dietary Antioxidants in Cancer Therapy

“…Cancer is a wide collection of diseases that can begin in practically any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells develop and move beyond their space to attack surrounding areas and also spread to different organs [1]. There are numerous types of cancer such as breast cancer, skin cancer, bone cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and if left untreated, it results in serious harm and could eventually lead to death [2]. Different causes of cancer include hereditary variables, way of life, diet, exposure to various kinds of synthetic compounds, and radiation.…”

“…Various kinds of cancer can proceed in abnormal ways, develop at different rates, and react to treatment differently, hence, each cancer treatment is focused on the specific cancer type. Cancer therapy used in the treatment of cancer patient includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and more recently antioxidant have been proposed to benefit cancer patients during cancer therapy [2].…”