Singapore - Scientists are discovering that foods like curry and beans could help fight cancer, a conference was told on Tuesday.
Researchers from the University of Maryland said compounds found in legumes and bran may act as a natural sunscreen for the skin.
The molecules, related to vitamin B, help protect DNA in skin cells from cancer-causing sun damage, said Dr Abulkalam Shamsuddin, pathology professor at the university.
They also offer a shield against other forms of the disease.
The findings were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Centennial Conference in Singapore. The five-day gathering has attracted more than 1 000 experts.
Compounds called inositol and IP6 are found in many seeds and grains, Shamsuddin said. They are antioxidants which prevent healthy cells from turning cancerous by blocking the effects of cancer-causing substances.
In a separate development, researchers from the Tohoku University in Japan reported finding that a a spice often used in Indian cooking is effective against colorectal cancer in mice.
They are trying to get the compounds to home in on cancer cells and then conduct trials on humans. -
Sapa-DPA
