MINERALS AGAINST CANCER: MAGNESIUM, MANGANESE AND MOLYBDENUM

Magnesium

Magnesium is important for the health of every organ within the body. It activates enzymes, aids energy production and helps to regulate the balance of many cancer-fighting nutrients within the body. It is a cofactor in over 100 enzyme reactions occurring in the body. Recent research has shown that magnesium may prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

A deficiency of magnesium interferes with the relaying of nerve and muscle impulses, causing irritability, muscular cramps and nervousness. It assists in the uptake of calcium and potassium and helps to maintain the body’s proper pH balance. This versatile mineral helps us to excrete arsenic and lead from the body, heavy metals which can lead to the development of cancer.

Magnesium promotes steady nerves, reduces irritability, helps to form strong bones and teeth, assists with the digestion of protein and carbohydrates, enhances memory and helps to prevent heart attacks. This essential mineral also helps to prevent abnormalities in the body’s lymph glands. The lymph glands are a key component of the body’s immune system.

Magnesium cannot be stored in the body for long periods and therefore it must be obtained regularly from the diet. Excess consumption of milk, coffee, tobacco and alcohol can lead to a magnesium deficiency. Soy milk is a perfect substitute for milk.

Good food sources of magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ, soy beans, dulse, hazelnuts, lima beans, sesame seeds, walnuts millet, avocado, almonds, pecans, spinach, lentils, dates, brazil nuts, brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, cashews, dried figs and apricots, bananas, fish and other seafood, apples, peaches, pumpkin seeds, sea vegetables and sprouts.

Herbal sources of magnesium include chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, lemongrass, licorice, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover and yellow dock.

Manganese

Manganese is essential for proper red blood cell formation and to maintain the health of the body’s glands. Manganese-rich foods nourish the nerves and brain and aid in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to all of the cells in the body. It assists with healthy sex-hormone production, making it an essential mineral in helping to prevent hormone-induced cancers.

A form of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, contains manganese. Proper function of this enzyme helps protect against free radical damage, which can cause cancer. Manganese also plays a role in detoxifying alcohol from the body. This may make it a key element in preventing cancers related to excess alcohol intake.

Good sources of manganese include chestnuts, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, coconut, walnut, buck wheat, kidney beans, lima beans, pineapple, grapes, beetroot, parsley, lettuce, watercress, apricots, bananas, cherries, green beans, kale, avocado, blackberries, dates, celery, dandelion, figs, lemons, pears, apples.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is termed an essential trace mineral. Molybdenum possesses strong antioxidant properties and is believed to prevent some forms of cancer. It is able to activate the xanthine oxidase enzyme responsible for the production of the powerful antioxidant, uric acid. Molybdenum enhances kidney function and protects the body from some chemical carcinogens.

Molybdenum has a major influence in protecting the body from the carcinogenic effects of dietary nitrosamines (by preventing the conversion of nitrites to nitrates to nitrosamines in the stomach). Nitrates are found in processed and cured meats and are known to be carcinogenic to the human body. It is believed oesophagus cancer is a symptom of Molybdenum deficiency and a low intake of molybdenum is also associated with mouth and gum disorders and cancer.

Population studies have shown that people living in areas where the soil is molybdenum deficient have been found to have an increased risk of stomach and oesophageal cancers. Molybdenum is currently being studied as a possible mineral in the prevention of breast cancer.

Molybdenum can be obtained from both plant and animal sources. Cauliflower, spinach, fish, liver, peas, beans, legumes, cereal grains, wheat-germ, green peas, brown rice, cottage cheese, lentils, split peas, brewer’s yeast, potato, molasses and chicken are all good sources of this trace mineral.

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