A 'super-nutrient' found in fruit and vegetables could reduce the risk of colon cancer, a new study has found.
Luteolin, a flavonoid or antioxidant, can be found in an array of everyday healthy foods including celery, carrots, olive oil, green peppers, thyme, chamomile tea, peppermint and rosemary.
The research, published in BMC Gastroenterology, found that the nutrient can block cell signal pathways, preventing cancer cells from instructing cells to grow and spread.
It is hoped that further research will uncover how the antioxidant can be used effectively in the fight against bowel cancer, which claims around 16,000 lives in the UK each year and is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the UK after lung cancer.
Team leader Professor Jung Han Yoon Park said: "Blocking these pathways stops cancer cells from dividing and leads to cell death.
"Our study, showing that luteolin interferes with cell signalling in colon cancer cells, is a step forward in understanding how this flavonoid works."
The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods
The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods(01 of07)
Open Image Modal (credit:Alamy)
Carrots(02 of07)
Open Image ModalCarrots are rich in beta-carotene, a super strong antioxidant that helps keep stomach, prostate and lung cancer away. (credit:Flickr:clayirving)
Cabbage(03 of07)
Open Image ModalCabbages contain cancer-fighting indole-3-carbinol, which are said to help ward off cancer.Brocolli is a well-known cancer busting vegetable as its glucoraphanin enzyme protects the body from rectum and colon cancer. (credit:Flickr:TheDeliciousLife)
Tomato(04 of07)
Open Image ModalContaining a rich source of antioxidant lycopene, they protect the body from various cancer cells, plus it's also packed with vitamin C, which helps strengthen the body's immune system. (credit:Flickr:epSos.de)
Garlic(05 of07)
Open Image ModalGarlic isn't just a great way to flavor our food, but it's a clever way of incorporating a cancer-busting food into our diet.Garlic is proven to boost immunity, which helps our body fight against nasty cancerous cells. Chives, leeks and onions are also part of the allium vegetable group, which help reduce the risks of stomach, colon and prostate cancer. (credit:Flickr:lowjumpingfrog)
Flax Seeds(06 of07)
Open Image ModalFlax seeds contain a strong antioxidants called ligans which help keep cells healthy and safe from cancerous cells. They also contain Omega-3, which are believed to prevent colon cancer. (credit:Flickr:waferboard)
Blueberries(07 of07)
Open Image ModalRated as one fo the highest antioxidant foods, blueberries keep the body's cells healthy and full of oxygen, warding off cancerous cells attacking. (credit:Flickr:Andrea Pokrzywinski)