Summary

Original source:
http://www.knoxstudio.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=HERBS-07-20-05&cat=AN

Details

• Ancient pharmacists may have been onto something - evidence is growing that herbs and spices are nature's aspirins containing natural agents to reduce inflammations that could lead to cancers.
• Researchers pointed to the hottest spices as working the best, but they warned at this week's annual convention of the Institute of Food Technologists that the secret is that a little of the hot stuff goes a long way.
• Raj Vattan, a food researcher at Texas State University, said overuse of common herbs like rosemary, thyme, curry and red pepper can make bacteria more resistant to treatment.
• But eaten in moderation, herbs and spices rich in antioxidants do seem to reduce incidences of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, he said.
• Food researchers say advances in genetic biology are giving scientists new methods of enhancing antioxidants in food, but the exact mechanism of how the herbs and spices work - and what chemicals in the plants are responsible - isn't yet fully understood.
• Michael Wargovich, a researcher with the South Carolina Cancer Center at the University of South Carolina, said 15 scientific studies found that daily consumption of aspirins or anti-inflammatory drugs were related to a 50 percent reduction in colon cancer.
• Wargovich said he has identified one chemical in tea that has reduced tumors in rats, and he is studying the effects on cancer cells of the herbs ginkgo biloba, American ginseng and a compound of milk thistle.
• Young-Joon Surh, of South Korea's Seoul University College of Pharmacy, said spicy bits of hot peppers, mustards and spices also have been shown to decrease the size of tumors in laboratory mice.
• Surh has been studying wider uses for gingerol, the pungent ingredient in ginger; capsaisin, the chemical that makes hot peppers hot; and the spicy ingredient known as 6-methylthiohexyl isothiocyanate that gives the zip to wasabi, or Japanese mustard.

Related Articles

Popular Topics: Spices, Herbs, Cancer, Diabetes, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury	Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com Email this article to a friend Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us Permalink to this article: http://www.naturalnews.com/010116_spices_herbs_cancer.html Reprinting this article: Non-commercial use OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. <a href = "http://www.naturalnews.com/010116_spices_herbs_cancer.html">Herbs and spices could fight chronic disease</a>
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber! Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more. Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.	Your Email Address: Free Subscription Code: Enter the numbers you see: 100% free of charge. Unsubscribe anytime. Absolutely no spam. We respect your email privacy.
Recommended Special Report: Seven Words that can Change the World by Joseph R. Simonetta Read this special report now... "Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com	More on NaturalNews.com: • Streaming Health Ranger Videos • CounterThink Cartoons • FREE Special Reports • Podcasts