The Best Antioxidants For Lymphoma Cancer
Antioxidants protect the immune system by fighting free radical cell
damage that leads to chronic diseases and cancers. Antioxidants may
benefit patients with various lymphomas, cancers of the white blood
cells in the immune system, by slowing tumor growth and enhancing the
effects of chemotherapy.
The Best Antioxidants For Lymphoma Cancer
Curcumin
Curcumin is the substance that gives turmeric its yellow color. Curcumin
can interfere with the energy supply needed by malignant cells, thereby
causing those cells to die. A 2009 study in Expert Opinion on
Investigational Drugs concludes that curcumin has potential as a
lymphoma therapy because it can suppress tumor growth, kill malignant
cells and inhibit metastasis.
Selenium
Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs. A
report in Biological Trace Element Research, showed that sodium selenite
(a dietary form of selenium) administered together with chemotherapy
eliminated more malignant lymphoma cells than chemotherapy alone.
Beta-1,3 D-glucan
Beta-1,3 D-glucan, found in oats, barley, and reishi, shiitake and
maitake mushrooms, can strengthen the immune system, enhance the
production of blood cells, and kill tumor cells. According to the
Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research, beta-1,3 D-glucan
may benefit lymphoma patients who are undergoing chemotherapy by helping
the body to maintain adequate blood cell production.
CoEnzyme Q10 (COQ10)
CoQ10 is a substance that works both as a coenzyme to generate cell
energy and as an antioxidant to protect cells. Lymphoma patients
generally have low amounts of CoQ10 in their blood. CoQ10 may help these
patients boost their immune systems and energy levels. Oily fish, organ
meats and whole grains are the best sources of natural CoQ10.
Green Tea
The main polyphenol antioxidant in green tea is the catechin called
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant. A 2005 study
reported in Cancer Research shows that EGCG inhibits lymphoma cell
growth and promotes tumor cell death.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a powerful anti-cancer agent. According to the
International Journal of Oncology, resveratrol interferes with the
pathways of malignant cells, preventing them from proliferating. The
study suggests that resveratrol may be useful in treating aggressive
lymphomas.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in green leafy vegetables,
egg yolks, kiwi and corn. A 2006 study in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition found that people on a diet rich in these
antioxidants had a lower risk of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma.