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Q: Can eating more spices
like turmeric really lower my cancer risk?
A: There is laboratory evidence to suggest that curcumin,
the compound that gives turmeric its yellow color, might reduce
formation or growth of cancer cells. However, we have very little
evidence of its effects in humans. Small studies suggest that
it may protect against cancers of the breast, colon and more.
But in some cases, benefits are only seen from amounts of curcumin
that far exceed the quarter-teaspoon of turmeric typically found
in a serving of curry dishes. Using modest amounts of turmeric,
as is the tradition in Indian and North African cooking, is safe
for most adults. Use of larger amounts might have some negative
effects, including disturbing liver function or existing gallbladder
disease or upsetting some people’s stomachs; we clearly
need more research on this.
Some small studies suggest that
curcumin could have synergistic effects with compounds in onions
or cruciferous vegetables, so that perhaps small amounts could
have important protective effects. |
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Q: What is meant by
the term "free range chicken"?
A: Although this term conjures images of birds roaming
an open barnyard all day, that’s not necessarily what you’re
buying. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),
free range chickens are defined as birds that have any access
to the outside, perhaps for just a few minutes a day. The term
has no bearing on what the chicken is fed, what medications it
receives or the amount of living space it has. In practical terms,
the claim doesn’t mean much in the U.S.
Q: Are all citrus fruits
high in vitamin C?
A: Citrus fruits – which include the common orange
and grapefruit as well as the tangerine, clementine, tangelo,
kumquat and ugli fruit – are all excellent sources of vitamin
C. On their own, one standard serving of these fruits packs from
20 to 70 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C. Although this doesn’t
quite meet the daily recommended needs for adults (current recommendations
call for 75 mg of vitamin C a day for women and 90 mg for men;
daily goals for children range from 25 to 75 mg, depending on
age), you can easily obtain your daily quota by adding up the
smaller contributions of the other vegetables and fruits that
you need for overall good health. Besides citrus fruits, other
produce rich in vitamin C includes strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe,
broccoli and bell peppers. |
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