How to antioxidants work in Cancer Prevention?
As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These force radicals, we learnt are highly unstable and steal components from other cellular molecules, such as fat, protein, or DNA, thereby spreading the damage. This damage continues in a chain reaction, and entire cells soon become damaged and die. This process is called per-oxidation. Peroxidation is useful because it helps the body destroy cells that have outlived their usefulness and kills germs and parasites. However, peroxidation, when left unchecked, also destroys or damages healthy cells.
Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular destruction by willingly donating components to stabilize free radicals. More importantly, antioxidants return to the surface of the cell to stabilize rather than damage other cellular components. Lycopene is a carotenoid which colours fruits and vegetables and is most abundantly present in the prostrate gland. Studies have shown that this carotenoid reduces the risk of various deadly cancers including cancers of the prostrate, colon and rectum. High intake of lycopene by patients with prostrate cancer has caused a regression in the disease and decreased the malignancy. Fat-soluble vitamin A compounds include retinol, retinal and retinoic acid. This group is vital for eye and retinal function, protects the mucous membrane and reduces the risk of infection. Therefore, it is called an immune enhancer and reduces the risk of cancer. Apart from reducing the cancer mortality, it helps in treating cancer patients who have had surgery to remove primary tumors. Vitamin A and carotenoids antioxidant and immune stimulatory property have developed synergistic cancer treatment application. Vitamin A levels decrease during chemotherapy. Hence, additional intake of vitamin A is recommended during chemotherapy.