Cancer Fighting Foods
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Omega-6 Fatty Acid: This, also called Essential Fatty Acid (EFA), is a type of polyunsaturated fat which, if taken in excess, converts into a substance that promote rigidity in cells, constricts arteries and causes inflammation.
Oxidation: A chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen reacts with another substance occasioning deterioration of some type.
PCB: Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyle.
Phyto-chemicals: Neither vitamins nor minerals, these are naturally occuring substances in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables and wholegrains that trigger beneficial chemical reactions within the body (“Phyto” means “plant”). There are thousands of phyto-chemicals including bioflavonoids, resveratrol.
Polyunsaturated Fat: This, (a liquid at room temperature) also called Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) is largely found in certain vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, and oily fish. This is generally known to lower bad as well as good cholesterol.
Prebiotic: This family of carbohydrates, mainly found in plant foods feed the probiotics (beneficial microorganisms present in the intestines).
Probiotic: This is a Greek word meaning “for life”. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms (bacteria) present in the intestines.
Protein: A complex compound formed from nitrogen and found in all animal and vegetable food tissues. Proteins contain amino acids and serve as enzymes, hormones and are needed for the growth and repair of body tissues.
Radiation: Sending forth of energy in the form of X-rays, radiowaves, visible light, ultraviolet light and gamma rays.
Radiotherapy: The treatment of cancer and other diseases by X-rays or other forms of radiation.
Red Blood Cell: An erythrocyte, which contains the pigment haemoglobin and transports oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the tissues.
Resveratrol: This phyto-chemical helps to ward off heart attacks and strokes with its blood-thinning property. It is found in grapes, especially in red, grape juice and wine.
RNA: Ribonucleic Acid, a chemical that performs several functions in the cells of the body, including acting as an “intermediate” message for a gene to become a protein. Certain viruses also use RNA, not DNA, to maintain their genes.
Saturated Fat: This, also called Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) is largely found in animal products (also in coconut and plam oils) such as milk, butter, meat. This is known to increase bad cholesterol.
Sedentary: Mode of living with minimal activity and exercise.
Serotonin: A compound widely distributed in tissues, especially in blood platelets, intestinal wall, and central nervous system. Plays a role similar to histamine in inflammation; also constricts the blood vessels, and acts as a neurotransmitter, essential for relaxation, sleep and mental concentration.
