As we get older, our cells get damaged and become less functional overtime, which increases our chances of developing cancer. Cancer occurs when cells start to multiply uncontrollably due to accelerated division. Research has strongly connected aging with the risk of cancer.
Though leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial, recent studies suggest that specific supplements may help bolster our defense against cancer. In this article, we'll explore anti-cancer supplements that could offer benefits for individuals over 50.
Keep reading for the top three supplements for cancer prevention.
Key Takeaways
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How does aging contribute to cancer?
As we get older, our chances of getting cancer go up. This happens because of a few reasons:
Oxidative Stress: This is when there's an imbalance between harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) and helpful antioxidants in our bodies. Aging can cause more ROS and fewer antioxidants, which damages our DNA and can lead to cancer.
Telomere Shortening: Telomeres are like protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes, guarding our genes from damage. But as we age, these caps get shorter every time our cells divide. When they get too short, cells can start acting weirdly and become cancerous.
Cell Senescence: This is when cells stop dividing but don't die, which is a natural part of aging. It's like a way for our bodies to prevent damaged cells from turning into cancer. But as we age, these senescent cells can build up and cause trouble, sometimes even helping cancer grow.
Menopause: Women who go through menopause later in life have a higher risk of certain cancers, like breast and uterine cancer. That's because they're exposed to estrogen for a longer time, which can increase the chances of cancer in their breast and uterus.
Which ingredients can inhibit cancer cell growth?
✓ Turmeric
The Indian spice turmeric can be extremely helpful when it comes to fighting cancer. Studies show that the curcumin in turmeric may kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth.
The benefits of curcumin may include:
blocking cancer cells from multiplying
killing colon, breast, prostate, and melanoma cancer cells
slowing tumor growth
Add some turmeric to your next dish, or take a supplement containing curcumin to experience the benefits of this powerful substance. As turmeric is only fat-soluble and not water-soluble, the absorption rate of turmeric into the body for cooking grade turmeric powders is not optimal. Look for specific supplement-grade turmeric such as Curcugen™ to include into your diet to reap the benefits.
✓ Garlic
Garlic is a great choice when it comes to giving your body a little extra protection. To reap the benefits of garlic, you should eat one clove per day, or 300 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of garlic extract.
Protective effects may include:
Antibacterial properties
Blocking and halting the activation of cancer-causing substances
Enhanced DNA repair
A reduction in cancer cells spreading
✓ Vitamin D
Vitamin D can absorb calcium and help the immune, muscle, and nervous systems function properly.
According to BreastCancer.org, research suggests that certain cancers such as breast cancer, can have a higher risk of occurring when the body has low levels of Vitamin D.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 15 mcg. Vitamin D can be absorbed through sunlight, or with the following diet:
Fatty fish
Egg yolks
Fortified milk
✓ Ginseng
Ginseng is in the spotlight in recent years as researchers look into how well the herb can actually help fight cancer.
A group of researchers say a number of animal and human studies from 20 years ago to the present show Panax ginseng may reduce the risk of several types of cancer. Their report appears in the July issue of Cancer Causes and Control -- a medical journal published in the Netherlands.
The components in ginseng -- both red and white versions that the Korean researchers say fight cancer growth -- are a group of 34 constituents collectively called ginsenosides. In one 1980 study in Korea, red ginseng extract inhibited the formation of lung tumors in rats.
In another study in 1983 using mice, a 75% reduction in liver cancer was reported. Other studies on mice and rats have shown reductions in cancer of the mammary glands, cervix, ovaries, kidney, stomach, and skin.
More than that, a study conducted in 2013 by researchers at the National Cancer Institute concluded that a daily intake of Ginseng helped improve cancer-related fatigue in patients, especially for those undergoing active.
Best Cancer Prevention Supplements in Singapore
In our search for the best ingredients and supplements, we have researched and tested supplements in various form factors, namely: softgels, capsules, edibles, and drinks. After extensive work done, we have narrowed down the selection to the top 3 supplements with the best cancer-fighting properties and ingredients.
The overall most comprehensive anti-cancer supplement, in our view, is The Purest Co’s Ginseng Turmeric Superjuice, given the high quality clinically-tested ingredients used, and also its superior bio-absorption liquid delivery form.
Our evaluation criteria:
PROS
Highest quality turmeric curcumin extract used from Curcugen™
Contains a safe dosage of American Ginseng
Important addition of BioPerine® black pepper extract, critical in enhancing the effectiveness of curcumin and ginseng absorption
Enriched with Vitamins A & C
Risk free 30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back
No unnecessary ingredients or additives
Rigorously tested for purity and ingredient quality
Made in Taiwan
Manufactured to HACCP and ISO22000 standards
Highly rated for customer service
CONS
Does not contain Garlic extract
Only available online
Always out of stock due to demand
BOTTOMLINE
We are thoroughly impressed by this formula during our testing period. Not only were they able to make the formula taste very pleasant with the usage of real passion fruit juice, but we felt visible improvements to energy and appetite within the first few days of consuming the product.
As we dig deeper into the ingredients, Turmeric Curcumin, as earlier mentioned, is well researched and tested to have anti-cancer properties, however, the issue with consuming cooking-grade turmeric is that the absorption rate into our bodies is extremely low due to the fact that turmeric is not water-soluble, but fat-soluble.
Using the rather expensive and patented Curcugen™ Turmeric ingredient which is manufactured by Dolcas Biotech, The Purest Co’s formula is 39-times more effective compared to other turmeric supplements out there.
Also, it is rare to find a supplement that contains both turmeric curcuminoids alongside ginseng in the same formula. Ginseng combats the fatigue caused by cancer treatment. The company was highly rated for customer service and offers a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee which shows they are willing to stand behind the quality of their product.
When compared to other top competitors, Ginseng Turmeric Superjuice was unrivaled in effectiveness, quality, safety, and value which makes it our top choice as the best anti-cancer supplement on the market today.
*Results are based on Superfood Reviews system and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
PROS
500mg of Turmeric Extract per serving
Well-respected UK manufacturer
Widely available
With Longvida Optimised Curcumin®
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Contains ginger root
Made in the United Kingdom
CONS
Contains maltodextrin and soy
No black pepper
BOTTOMLINE
Cell Active Circumin Plus by Cytoplan is a quality option from a well-established and popular manufacturer.
This is a high strength formula with 500mg of branded Longvida Optimised Curcumin® per serving which the manufacturer claims is "up to 285 times more bioavailable" and has some promising reviews.
The vegan-friendly formula also includes ginger root extract which has anti-cancer properties as well - however the omission of black pepper was quite surprising - and we also noticed that the formula contains both soy and maltodextrin and so it may be unsuitable for some people.
Overall though, this is a good quality product that found favour with our readers and is also made in the United Kingdom to GMP standards - just like our top choice.
*Results are based on the Superfood Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
PROS
500mg of 95% Turmeric Extract per serving
Well-established retailer of 25 years
Widely available
No artificial flavours or preservatives
Free from added sugars and non-GMO.
Made in the United Kingdom
CONS
No complimentary ingredients
Powders aren’t great with absorption rates
BOTTOMLINEComing in at number 3 in our list is Ultra Turmeric by Vitabiotics which is a popular offering from the UK's largest vitamins and supplement manufacturer that is widely available on the high street.
The vegan-friendly formula delivers 525mg of Turmeric Extract in the form of tablets rather than capsules (which some people may prefer if you have difficulty swallowing capsules). It also contains decent doses of black pepper to help with absorption, as well as Vitamin D to support your immune system and lower the risk of cancer.
On the downside, tablets aren't usually as bioavailable as capsules and because Turmeric has relatively low bioavailability already, we think you might be better off with a capsule-based product in terms of effectiveness. This formulation does seem rather one-dimensional given the lack of ginsenosides or ginger, thus would be better consumed in tandem with another supplement.
It's also worth noting that Vitabiotics doesn't appear to offer a money back guarantee so you won't be protected if things don't work out as you expected.
This product would be a good option for those who are not price-sensitive, and who require more collagen than the average consumer.
*Results are based on the Superfood Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Best Product Overall:
30 Sachets
The best way to prevent cancer is by maintaining good health, like from eating a nutritious whole-food diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and exercising. While there’s no silver bullet vitamin, there are some anti-cancer supplements on the market that may help you keep the disease at bay or stop it from getting worse.
Our top choice would be The Purest Co's Ginseng Turmeric Superjuice, given the high quality clinically-tested ingredients used, and also its superior bio-absorption liquid delivery form.
