This question perplexes most of us: Why are functional foods anti-cancer? Plants produce anti-cancer chemicals known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals fight cancer in a variety of ways that fight different stages of cancer evolution. They act as antioxidants, promote cell cancer apoptosis, inhibit cancer proliferation, inflammation and angiogenesis and stimulate our immune system. All important processes that cancer use or bypass against us.
Plants stressed productions
Ironically, phytochemicals are produced by plants as a reaction against stress, injury, extreme weather conditions or temperature and even harmful microorganisms. A plant can’t run or jump. It isn’t capable of locomotion so as to flee when attacked. Have you ever seen a tomato plant smack an aggressive insect with its leaves? But plants are endowed naturally with another kind of defensive mechanism to protect themselves when their survival is threatened. They are experts at chemical warfare. Plants produce phytochemicals as a response against injury such as bruising or cutting. They are also produced as a protection from extremes of temperature and weather or solar radiation. Phytochemicals are synthesized by plants when assaulted by microorganisms such bacteria, fungi or viruses and even insects and arthropods. And they effectively make themselves less digestible.
Different stresses different phytochemicals
Different kinds of phytochemicals are produced from different stresses they undergo. blueberries and blackberries produce anthocyanins when exposed to very cold or very hot weather conditions that endanger its survival. Green tea will produce phenols when they are cut, wounded, bruised or bitten. Isn’t this phenomenon amazing?
Why we can eat them
Why are humans not affected by these phytochemicals? We’ve adapted to these molecules more than a thousand years from generations to the next. Our body used these phytochemicals to control cancer. The only problem is that our body cannot make them; we have to eat or drink them.
How many phytochemicals
There are 20,000 to 30,000 different kinds of molecules produced by plants so far. Each has its own way of fighting cancer. We need to combine many of them to have better protection. It’s like nature unlocking its secret.
Bottom line
When you eat those phytochemicals you’re lowering your cancer risk dramatically. With this knowledge, you can take action. Consume your daily quota of 5-10 servings of functional vegetables and fruits.