Colon cancer

People lack an appreciation for the way the food they eat acts like drugs

Take for example phytonutrients found both in honey and propolis. These have been shown to possess cancer-preventing and anti-tumor properties by shutting down a gene named Cox-2. These substances include caffeic acid methyl caffeate, phenylethyl caffeate, and phenylethyl dimethylcaffeate. Caffeic acid found in coffee is a yellow crystalline acid that is soluble in hot water and alcohol. It is related to cinnamic acid, but it has two hydroxyl groups not found in cinnamic acid. Both are part of the carbocyclic carboxylic acid group. Researchers have discovered that these substances prevent colon cancer in animals by shutting down activity of two enzymes, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and lipoxygenase. However when raw honey is extensively processed and heated, the benefits of these phytonutrients are largely eliminated.

Other foods that have the same effect are Rosemary, turmeric and grapes

Take by way of example the cancer drug celecoxib:
Rosemary, turmeric, and other foods work just like celecoxib by preventing COX-2 from making a particular protein associated with cancer growth, Dr. Dannenberg says. COX-2's "purpose" for being in the body is unknown. It seems to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and inhibit a cell's natural "self-death" mechanism. This encourages cancer growth

Coffee sweetened with honey from a local beekeeper might be worth consideration – when you are talking to him ask him about propolis he will be pleased to sell you some - just make sure that his products are not processed because processed honey has no medicinal value. Do not drink too much and take a magnesium supplement or eat food rich in magnesium such as pumpkin seeds.

Lucinda Ball
10/25/2008