Next time a waiter armed with a giant pepper mill asks if you'd like some fresh-ground over your salad, say, "Yes, please!" In this Health Smarts video, Robin Miller, MD, reveals how black pepper may help prevent cancer.
Hi, I'm Dr. Miller with a tasty way to fight cancer. Next time a waiter armed with a giant pepper meal asked whether you'd like some fresh ground over your salad, say, yes please. In a recent lab study, the ingredient responsible for pepper's pungent zing called Piperine appear to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing.
The study focused on breast stem cells, amazing tissue repairing cells that can morph into dangerous cancer cells if their DNA is damaged. When researchers mixed Piperine with these stem cells, the compound inactivated the cells with early signs of trouble, they reduced the size of rogue cell colonies and silent signals involved in making cells live far longer than normal.
Cells that live too long are a precursor to cancer. The best news of all, in a lab study, Piperine left healthy cells alone. Researchers think that in the future, Piperine might even be used in cancer prevention drugs. For now, it's worth sprinkling on the black stuff liberally and off it.
For more ways to nourish your health, watch and share all our smart health tips, right here.
Many experts say good health begins with a healthy diet and smart nutrition to prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Experts share nutrition tips to eat smart, stay well and lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
See All Health Topics A-ZThanks, your question has been sent to Frances!
Sign up for Sharecare to be notified if your question is answered.
Sign Up Now