Cancer Fighting Foods

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Lecithin: One of a group of phospholipids found naturally in animals, egg yolk and some higher plants. These are important parts of cell membranes, and help the liver in the metabolism of fats.

Lipids: Any of a group of organic fatty substances (with fat and oil like qualities) insoluble in water including good and bad cholesterol (HDL and LDL) and triglycerides present in the blood. These are soluble in organic solvents, including fatty acids, oils, waxes and steroids. Examples include lecithin, Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. These are stored in the body and used for energy.

Lipoproteins: A family of lipid-carrying water soluble proteins that are responsible for the transport of cholesterol and triglycerides through the blood circulation.

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Also referred to as “bad cholesterol” which carries cholesterol and other fats from the digestive system through the blood/liver to the body’s cells for cell processes.

Lymph: Clear and slightly yellowish fluid (containing white blood cells) derived from blood plasma, which bathes the interstitial areas (in between the cells of tissues). It is collected by the lymphatic system and returned to the blood stream via the subclavian veins. It collects wastes, and delivers nutrients to cells including cartilage. It plays an important role in the immune system and in the absorption of fats from the intestine.

Malignant: A condition resisting treatment especially of cancerous growth. Malignant literally means “evil”, opposite of benign.

Melanin: A dark brown or black pigment that is responsible for tanning of the skin when exposed to sunlight. It gives skin, hair and iris of the eye their colour.

Melanoma: A tumor arising from the deeper pigment cells (melanocytes) of the skin. Often characterized as a coffee stain on the skin surface, and can become malignant.

Melatonin: A sleep-inducing hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness.

Metabolism: It is the process of transforming food stuffs into tissue elements and into energy for use in the growth, repair and general function of the body and the deployment of wastes and pollutants.

Metastatis: Transfer of a disease etc from one part of the body to another, especially the development of secondary tumours at distance from a primary site of cancer.

Mineral: A metallic inorganic substance found in nature. Many minerals are essential for human and animal nutrition.