The health of the colon is dependent on the diet. This is nothing new. For example, long-term intake of problem substances such as trans fats, sugar, and/or colorants and preservatives can promote the development of colon cancer.
According to the German Cancer Information Service, colorectal cancer is currently the third most common tumor disease in men and the second most common in women. Internationally, Germany leads the field in terms of the number of new cases. Countries such as Nigeria, for example, which have little access to processed, industrially produced food, have a very low number of cancer cases, as do many West African countries.
Polyphenols, i.e., natural plant substances such as resveratrol and grape seed extract, can together protect against cancer. Both secondary plant compounds are abundant in grapes but also in the shells of peanuts and in Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol can inhibit the growth of colon cancer stem cells. A study shows that this anticarcinogenic effect is particularly strong when resveratrol is taken in combination with grape seed extract.
Study on resveratrol in colon cancer
A team of, American researchers found that colon cancer stem cells are the germ cells of new tumors. These stem cells are also responsible for the fact that cancers often return. In the study, conducted with mice, among others, the scientists administered drugs to a test group with advanced colorectal cancer and to the other group resveratrol and later resveratrol and grape seed extract as a combination.
The results were unmistakable. The growth of stem cells in both groups was inhibited. The drug group, however, had significant side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting. The likelihood of developing new cancer is significantly increased here, because it is known from other research that the main side effect of chemotherapy is the development of new cancer cells.
No side effects occurred in the group that was administered resveratrol and grape seed extract. Nevertheless, chemotherapy is still considered the standard of conventional medicine today.
The researchers conclude that a combined administration of resveratrol and grape seed extract is very effective in killing colon cancer cells and colon cancer stem cells. For healthy cells, however, this combination – in contrast to chemotherapy, for example – is completely harmless.
Preventing colorectal cancer effectively with a healthy diet and resveratrol
Organic vegetables and fruits are particularly rich in micronutrients and promote healthy intestinal flora. If you frequently eat grapes with seeds or peanuts with their soft brown skin, you can prevent colon cancer effectively and naturally.
Researchers at the Dr. Rath Research Institute in Santa Clara, USA, recognize the connection between a deficiency of micronutrients, such as resveratrol, and have long been researching its influence on cancer. However, they take a unique approach: “Micronutrients always work in synergy. A single substance is powerless, but together micronutrients develop their optimal effects,” says Dr. Matthias Rath. You can read about the influence of these nutrient teams on cancer on the website of the Dr. Rath Research Institute.
Sources:
- Sanoiu A, Grape extracts may protect against colon cancer, 20 June 2017, Medical News Today
- Vanamala JKP et al., Grape compounds suppress colon cancer stem cells in vitro and in a rodent model of colon carcinogenesis, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 9 August 2016
