Antioxidant is a double-edged sword

Scientists at Georgetown Cancer Center say that antioxidants are a double-edged sword, because they are capable of not only blocking cancer cells, but under certain conditions, even It also stimulates tumor growth.

Antioxidants can be natural or synthetic substances, which can slow oxidation. Scientists mainly focus on the oxidation of organic compounds. Antioxidants are found in some fresh fruits such as grapes, pomegranates, blueberries .

In general, antioxidants prevent oxidation of other molecules by reducing the number of damaged cells that under normal conditions can lead to cancer.

However, there have been experiments showing that non-omega 6 fatty acids can stimulate tumor growth. Scientists also found that vitamin E may increase the amount of DNA damage caused by fatty acids. The researchers then examined the ability of alpha lipoic acid in spinach and cauliflower to compounds formed after the effects of omega 6 fatty acids.

Recently, Swedish scientists have noted that vitamins E, C, A and other antioxidants may increase the risk of developing lung tumors in people at high risk groups. , such as smokers.