Researchers have discovered that high levels of the trace mineral,
selenium, may prevent colorectal cancer. Getting a healthy amount
of this mineral can be achieved through consuming foods rich in
selenium such as meats, grains, seafood and certain nuts. The area
one lives plays a part in determining one's likelihood to develop
colorectal cancer simply because some regions have higher concentrations
of selenium in the soil than others.
How Selenium Protects Against Colon Cancer
- The mineral's ability to turn on genes that prevent cancer
- Its effect in altering the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty
acids found in red meats (which play a role in the development
of colorectal cancer)
According to data from three randomized trials, researchers were
able to discover the effects of selenium in the development of cancerous
colon polyps in patients. They concluded:
- Patients with the highest levels of selenium had a 34 percent
reduced risk of developing colon cancer, compared to patients
with the lowest levels
- Increasing selenium consumption may help those who suffer from
low levels of selenium
- Optimal levels of selenium needed to prevent colon cancer has
not been determined
The chairman of the department of clinical cancer prevention argued
that the researchers' conclusions are by no means definitive;
and that the study was not from a large randomized control trial
of selenium. However, the possibility that selenium may prevent
colorectal cancer was not dismissed.
Yahoo
News November 16, 2004
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