1. How red onion reduces the cancer risk
How red onion reduces the cancer risk
Broccoli, spinach, carrot and many more veggies are part of the versatile culinary palate of Indian food scenario that has contributed to the noble cause of curing or reducing cancer risk. The new introduction to the diversified family is ‘Red Onion’. Part of the collective family of the flowering plant ‘alluim’ and known for rich sulfur and amino acids, red onions are different in flavour, color and also contain compounds that inhibit cancer growth. This article throws light on how the nutrients found in this humble vegetable- including quercetin, allicin, and chromium protect the body against cancer and also contribute towards weight loss. Moreover, the low glycemic index (GI) of the vegetable helps in the slower release of energy and enhances the blood glucose levels. The nutritive and non-nutritive health-promoting compounds found in red onions act on the body causing antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects and improve the overall immune system of the body. The high amount of flavonoid content that adds to the functioning of these compounds is also higher in red onions as compared to white or yellow ones. Read below to know more about how red onions are nothing less than bliss in reducing the cancer risk, but before that let us tell you something interesting about the red onion.
2. What is red onion?
Part of the collective family of the flowering plant ‘alluim’ and known for rich sulfur and amino acids, red onions are different in flavour, color and also contain compounds that inhibit cancer growth. Also, you will be surprised to know that they don’t make you cry.
3. Suppress cancer cells
According to several studies, the high levels of quercetin (a plant polyphenol) in red onion protects the human body from laryngeal and gastric cancer, as well as reproductive-related cancers.
4. Enhance detoxification
The high sulfur content enhances the body’s natural ability to detox. It stimulates anti-inflammatory processes and is also one of the best cleaning agents that bind with heavy metals in the blood and flushe out toxins from the body. It is a major catalyst in the functioning of hormones, enzymes, nerves, and red blood cells. Red onion smoothens these biological processes and prevents the accumulation of carcinogens (substances that promote the formation of cancer) and the increased inflammation and tissue damage that consequentially increase cancer risks.
5. Increases immunity
The nutritive and non-nutritive health-promoting compounds found in red onions act on the body using antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects and improve the overall immune system of the body. The high amount of flavonoid content that adds to the functioning of these compounds is also higher in red onions as compared to white or yellow ones.
According to health experts, cancer can be caused by genetic mutations and its risk can multiply if it runs in your family. Cancer can be caused by abnormal genes that get passed to the next generations by those affected.
In such a case, it is not cancer which is inherited but the abnormal genes, which may or may not cause cancer.
To prevent the risk of cancer, you must keep certain things in mind. We talked to Dr. Pramod Kumar Julka, Senior Director - Oncology Daycare Centre, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket and got effective tips to prevent cancer if it runs in your family. (However, it should be noted that there are also certain behaviours that can increase cancer risk, such as eating habits, lifestyle and lack of physical activity.)
Types of Cancer that can be inherited
Researchers say that there are a number of mutations that can be responsible for risk of inheritable cancer.
Breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer as well as some other types of cancer may affect the forthcoming generations through heredity.
There are certain faulty genes that can increase the risk of cancer and can be passed from parent to child. When there is a fault in the genes of the sperm cell or in the egg, it increases the risk of cancer in the child.
These genes are called cancer susceptibility genes or inherited cancer genes.
What is a strong family history of cancer?
Strong family history means two or more close relatives on the same side of your family have had cancer. Another thing that adds to the risk is if both the sufferers have had the same type of cancer or may be a different type of cancer that was caused by the same gene fault.
In case, the cancer was developed when they were under the age of 50, you are more susceptible to the disease.
Here’s what you can do prevent inheriting cancer
Regular check-ups: Dr Julka advises that you must go for regular check-ups. This can help you identifiy cancer at an early stage, thereby making the treatment and recovery process more effective. If cancer runs in your family or if you have a strong family history of cancer, you must visit a doctor at least once in six months, depending on your health. Dr Julka mentions that cancer can even occur at an early age. He says that if you are susceptible to breast cancer and if you are in your 20s, regularly do a self-examination. If you’re in your 30s, clinical examination is recommended and for women who are in their 40s and above, they must go for a mammography test.
In case of BRCA mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that help in creating tumour-suppressing proteins. If in case there is any mutation in these genes, they fail to produce these proteins and can't suppress the tumour. Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are noted to increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Also, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, peritoneal cancer and fallopian tube cancer are linked with BRCA mutations. “Some people opt for breast or ovary removal; it may cure cancer but it’s not a 100 per cent guaranteed treatment. If cancer runs in your family, especially where there are chances of BRCA mutations, contact your doctor at an early age,” says Dr Julka.
Lifestyle changes: Exercise regularly, avoid sedentary habits, avoid salty and junk foods and maintain a healthy weight. These are some of the lifestyle changes that help you prevent cancer if it runs in your family, says Dr Julka.
Awareness: Dr Julka says that awareness should be spread among people about cancer, its effects and preventive measures. He further adds that not all lumps are cancerous. They should be properly examined.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and has accounted over 8.8 million deaths in the last few years.
Some of the most common types of cancers in men are lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer, while breast, lung, colorectal, cervix and stomach cancer are common in women.
While this disease is inevitable and can happen to anyone, it is important to choose to live a healthy life by eating healthy and natural.
Our gastronomic heritage is responsible for most diseases; which is why it said that one must ensure keeping a healthy stomach.
It is important to make some dietary tweaks in order to prevent the risk of developing cancer. Here are some health and diet tips that may help keep cancer at bay.
1. Load up on turmeric
Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric may help keep cancer at bay to a certain extent. Curcumin helps inhibit the growth of various cancer cells in most parts of the body. It is known to have anti-cancerous properties.
2. Cut down on processed foods
According to a study published in the journal The BMJ, increasing consumption of processed foods like sugary drinks, instant noodles, packaged snacks, et al may be linked with proportional rise in cancer.
3. Use olive oil
According to a study published in the journal of Molecular Biology, a compound in olive oil known as oleic acid can support the production of tumour-suppressing molecules.
4. Whole grains
According to a report from the American Institute for Cancer Research Fund International, consuming whole grains are necessary, while processed meat and alcohol should be limited. The findings suggested that three servings of whole grains in a day may actually lower the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent.
Do not forget to get yourself checked every six months. Stay healthy!
Side effects of treatment may affect your eating pattern, requiring you to explore new ways to get the calories, protein and nutrients that you need for optimal nutrition. Eating a well balanced diet at this time can help you maintain your strength, energy and your body's natural defenses.
In addition to reading this information, you can schedule an individual appointment with the dietitian at the Cancer Resource Center to address your specific concerns. For additional information on the nutrition program, call (415) 885-3693 or visit us on the first floor of 1600 Divisadero Street in San Francisco.
Please also see the information and suggestions in Diet for Cancer Treatment Side Effects.
Eat a Variety of Foods
Unless instructed otherwise, eat a low-fat diet with a focus on additive-free fruits, vegetables, grains and small quantities of good-quality protein. Examples of a good-quality protein include nonfat dairy foods, eggs, legumes, soy, lean chicken and fish. Do not eliminate one or more of these nutritional building blocks without consulting with a nutritionist to develop a personalized eating plan.
Limit Caffeine, Sugar, Sodium and Alcohol
In general you will want to limit your intake, but there may be exceptions. If you have lost a lot of weight, just getting enough calories to prevent weight loss may be a goal, and hence additional fat and some sugar can be good sources of calories.
Stay Hydrated
Drink as much as you can during the day. Dehydration can be a problem with certain drugs and when nausea or diarrhea occurs. Bring a water bottle with you when you leave the house. If you are losing weight or need to gain weight, choose higher-calorie liquids (in addition to water) such as fruit smoothies, nectars, juices, or your own fruit popsicles made in ice cube trays.
Consuming a Mediterranean diet - rich in fruits and fish - while decreasing the intake of soft drinks may help prevent the risk of developing colorectal cancer by nearly 86 per cent, suggests a new study.
Colorectal cancer develops from intestinal polyps and has been linked to a low-fibre diet heavy on red meat, alcohol and high-calorie foods.
"We found that each one of these three choices was associated with a little more than 30 per cent reduced odds of a person having an advanced, pre-cancerous colorectal lesion, compared to people who did not eat any of the Mediterranean diet components," said Naomi Fliss Isakov from Tel-Aviv Medical Centre, in Israel.
"Among people who made all three healthy choices the benefit was compounded to almost 86 per cent reduced odds," Isakov added.
For the study, presented at the ESMO 19th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, the team included 808 people who were undergoing screening or diagnostic colonoscopies who were between 40 and 70 years old and had adhered to a Mediterranean diet.
A typical Mediterranean diet was defined as consumption levels above the group median for fruits, vegetables and legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, fish and poultry and a high ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fatty acids, as well as consumption below the median of red meat, alcohol, and soft drinks.
Consumption of even two to three components of the diet, compared to none, was associated with half the odds of advanced polyps, the study showed.