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Wheat wards off colon cancer

by Medindia Content Team on Mar 2 2002 3:36 PM

Experts say,whole grain wheat comprises powerful antioxidants which may help to ward off colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Biochemists from Ohio State University, who carried out the research, say the findings may empower them to create modified wheat strains with high levels of cancer-fighting chemicals.

Antioxidants are important because they combat the body's free radicals - charged particles, produced by the body, which can damage cells. Dr Hysumoto the lead researcher said,he added "Throughout life you make a lot of free radicals. "You want to keep them from forming because they contribute to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, cataracts, even wrinkling.

The biochemists are optimistic about wheat's cancer-fighting ability because their preliminary testing shows some available wheat strains already contain a great number of orthophenols.Antioxidants can be found in several vitamins, including vitamins E and D, but research shows that eating whole grain products and wheat germ is critical for the antioxidants to be absorbed.


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