影片字幕逐字稿英文翻譯 English translation of the video transcript ⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇ Phytochemicals are a vast group of organic compounds that plants have evolved over millions of years to defend themselves. Their primary function is to help plants ward off bacterial, viral, and fungal invasions, as well as insect attacks. In other words, not all phytochemicals are edible, and some can even be toxic. However, over time, people have discovered that certain phytochemicals can be used as medicines. One classic example is salicylic acid, extracted from willow tree bark. In the late 19th century, chemists refined salicylic acid into a drug that has been used for over two hundred years, known as aspirin. Today, aspirin still plays a crucial role in the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. In the field of cancer research, one of the most famous examples is the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. Like aspirin, paclitaxel was originally found in tree bark and is a phytochemical. In 1971, paclitaxel was first purified from the Pacific yew tree extract and remains a standard treatment for various cancers. Statistics show that there are over 130,000 known phytochemicals. However, only about 200 of these are edible and have been extensively studied for their health benefits. Over decades of research, nearly 200 phytochemicals have been found to have significant interactions with human health and disease, potentially affecting the onset and prognosis of certain conditions. For instance, I previously mentioned that soy isoflavones, which are rich in soybeans, are related to reducing breast cancer recurrence. Among all edible plants, vegetables have some of the highest concentrations of phytochemicals. The cancer-fighting potential of these phytochemicals has been a hot research topic in recent years. These compounds not only exhibit tumor-suppressing properties in laboratory settings but also have the potential to become cancer therapies after modification. The best part is that they are found in the vegetables we eat every day. So today, I’d like to review some of the most promising cancer-fighting vegetables, their phytochemicals, and related research. The First Cancer-Fighting Vegetable: Celery Celery is often considered a natural blood pressure-lowering vegetable and is commonly found on our tables. Besides lowering blood pressure, recent research has also explored celery’s role in cancer prevention. The cancer-fighting properties of celery mainly come from a phytochemical called apigenin. Apigenin's primary function is to activate a protein called p53 within cells. We know that cancer cells originate from cellular defects. A cell that continually accumulates damaged DNA can become defective. If the body allows this cell to keep dividing, a cluster of defective cells could potentially form a tumor. To prevent these defective cells from continuing to divide and accumulate, p53 protein is needed. It acts in the cell nucleus to activate genes that initiate cell death, leading to the self-destruction of defective cells and reducing the chance of tumor development. Additionally, apigenin antagonizes estrogen receptors in the body, thus inhibiting breast cancer cells that are sensitive to estrogen. However, note that pure apigenin has a low absorption rate. Although there are methods to increase its absorption through nanotechnology, most apigenin supplements on the market do not use this technology yet. Therefore, it is still advisable to get apigenin from eating celery. Besides celery, apigenin is also found in cilantro, chamomile tea, and parsley, with parsley containing the highest known density of apigenin. The Second Cancer-Fighting Vegetable: Broccoli Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable rich in a compound called glucoraphanin. Glucoraphanin transforms into its active form, sulforaphane, during the destruction or cooking of cruciferous vegetables. Additionally, bacteria in our intestines can convert glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. This conversion requires an enzyme called myrosinase. Be cautious with supplements claiming to provide sulforaphane directly, as they may not always be reliable. Like apigenin, sulforaphane triggers the apoptosis (self-destruction) of damaged or cancerous cells, thus inhibiting tumor growth. It can also prevent cancer cell metastasis and drug resistance. However, be aware that while broccoli generally does not interact with most cancer treatments, it may not be suitable for individuals on traditional anticoagulants like warfarin. Additionally, broccoli sprouts or Brussels sprouts contain much higher levels of glucoraphanin-up to 10 to 20 times more-making them a more efficient source of sulforaphane. Both glucoraphanin and sulforaphane are heat-resistant, but the enzyme myrosinase, which facilitates their conversion, is heat-sensitive. To maximize sulforaphane absorption, cut broccoli into small pieces and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking. The Third Cancer-Fighting Vegetable: Carrots Carrots are a highly nutritious root vegetable rich in vitamins A, B6, B7, and K. They also contain carotenoids, lutein, and lycopene. Recently, the phytochemical luteolin found in carrots has gained attention in cancer research. For example, 5-FU is a commonly used chemotherapy drug for pancreatic cancer. However, some pancreatic cancer cells produce enzymes that break down 5-FU, leading to drug-resistant cancer cells. Luteolin can inhibit these drug-degrading enzymes, restoring the effectiveness of 5-FU. Other studies have found that luteolin regulates cancer cell apoptosis and reduces the formation of new blood vessels around tumors. Researchers are working on chemically modified luteolin molecules with higher absorption rates to aid in cancer treatment. Until such drugs are developed, obtaining luteolin from fruits and vegetables is practical. In addition to carrots, other luteolin-rich foods include celery, extra virgin olive oil, mint leaves, and citrus fruits. Interestingly, some studies have also shown that luteolin supplements can significantly improve symptoms in children with autism, with minimal side effects. The Fourth Cancer-Fighting Vegetable: Onions Onions are also a cruciferous vegetable and contain high levels of glucoraphanin. Besides glucoraphanin, onions are rich in quercetin. Quercetin is prevalent in many fruits and vegetables, with the highest concentrations found in onions, cauliflower, asparagus, and various berries. Red onions contain even higher levels of quercetin. Large epidemiological studies have shown that people who consume the most quercetin have a significantly lower risk of lung cancer. At the cellular level, recent research has found that quercetin can suppress certain RNA fragments within cancer cells. These RNA fragments, which do not produce proteins but affect gene expression, can accelerate cancer cell growth and prevent apoptosis. Quercetin counteracts these fragments, leading to cancer cell self-destruction. For optimal quercetin intake, it's best to consume it from natural vegetables and fruits. Unlike single supplements, whole foods provide a combination of phytochemicals and trace elements that enhance nutrient absorption. For instance, eating citrus fruits with quercetin can also help absorb the vitamin C in those fruits. Quercetin is fat-soluble, so consuming it with meals that include fats improves its effectiveness. The Fifth Cancer-Fighting Vegetable: Tomatoes Many of you may have guessed this one-it's lycopene. Consuming high levels of lycopene in your diet has been proven to prevent various cancers, including prostate, breast, cervical, ovarian, endometrial, lung, bladder, oral, esophageal, stomach, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The food with the highest lycopene content is indeed tomatoes. A 100-gram serving of tomatoes contains about 2,500 micrograms of lycopene, while red bell peppers contain about one-fifth of that amount. Carrots, although orange, contain only 1 microgram of lycopene per 100 grams. However, if we include fruits in this discussion, the scenario changes. For example, red watermelon contains 5,000 micrograms of lycopene per 100 grams, twice as much as tomatoes. Grapefruit has 1,500 micrograms per 100 grams, 60% of the tomato's lycopene content. Red guava can exceed 5,000 micrograms of lycopene per 100 grams, surpassing tomatoes. Lycopene affects our body by regulating a hormone called IGF-1, which is a growth factor secreted by the liver. People who consume a high-protein or meat-rich diet have higher levels of IGF-1, which stimulates cell growth and division and is a key factor in cancer development. Epidemiological studies with over 400,000 participants have found that higher IGF-1 levels in the blood are associated with increased cancer risk. Lycopene helps regulate IGF-1, blocking its stimulation of body cells and thus moderating cell division. Of course, reducing protein and meat intake can also lower IGF-1 levels. Finally, to get the most lycopene from tomatoes, it's best to cook them with fats. However, tomato juice can also break down cell walls and allow for lycopene absorption. This method also helps you get some heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C, achieving a dual benefit. That's all for today! Although much of the research discussed is not directly on humans, I encourage you to eat these vegetables more often. Eating them in abundance is unlikely to cause any side effects. Additionally, you'll also be getting rich amounts of trace nutrients and antioxidants. The benefits are numerous, so for cancer prevention, consider including more of these vegetables in your diet.
Thank you so much for explain so detail and functions. However, if possible can adding all vegetables and fruits pictures during you are introduced that will be really helpful. Thank you gain