Men's Health

Benefits of Fish Oil for Men Include Better Heart Health, Sexual Health and More

With its high omega-3 fatty acid content, there is no shortage of the amazing benefits of fish oil for men, including immense advantages for both physical and mental health concerns. Here is what you need to know about how to get adequate amounts of this this nutritional gold and how it can help you to be healthier.

What is Fish Oil

Fish oil is full of valuable omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; while these essential fatty acids are used throughout the body, you are not able to produce them on your own. Because the human body can’t produce omega-3s, it’s important to be intentional about getting these nutritional powerhouses from various dietary sources or supplements.

The three most common types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Although EPA and DHA are found in abundance in fish oil, ALA is derived from seeds and oils such as flaxseed, hemp, chia and common vegetable oils.

Good Sources of Fish Oil

The best dietary source of fish oil is fatty fish like sardines, salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it is advised to make fish a part of your diet at least twice per week. Unless you are intentional about eating a great amount of fatty fish each week, there is a good chance that you are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids to see the immense benefits.

Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are certain plant oils, including canola, soybean and flaxseed. Chia seeds and walnuts are good sources if you need a quick and portable source. You may also find these omega-3s in fortified foods, including certain types of yogurt and eggs. Be sure to carefully read the labels if you are looking for foods that have been fortified with these fatty acids.

As with most of your nutritional needs, you can also look into supplements that provide fish oil as a viable way to provide extra insurance. If looking into supplements, keep in mind that studies have shown that taking a fish oil supplement with a meal that contains fat may work to boost the rate of absorption. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a fish oil supplement is unlikely to cause major negative side effects.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Men

Now that you know where to find these essential fatty acids, you need to know why it is so important for you to make this effort. Here are some of the primary benefits of fish oil for men.

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for males in the United States. This statistic makes it worth the time to discover ways that you can help to mitigate this risk. Taking in adequate amounts of fish oil may reduce triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Additionally, the heart-healthy omega-3s may also lower levels of bad cholesterol in the body.

Sexual Health

So why is taking in the recommended amount of fish oil particularly beneficial to men? A 2020 study suggested that taking a fish oil supplement led to a higher volume of semen for men. Men who took a fish oil supplement also boasted a better profile for the hormone that regulates the production of sperm. Together, these results suggest that fish oil supplements may be beneficial in both fertility and sexual function.

Eye Health

A recent study showed that adequate amounts of fish oil could treat inflammatory eye diseases while also reducing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends getting a sufficient amount of fish oil in the diet in order to reduce the symptoms of dry eye.

Mental Health

A growing body of research indicates that people who struggle with depression may exhibit inadequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, studies have demonstrated a link between low levels of fatty acids and cognitive decline. Other studies have shown that EPA and DHA may be helpful in fending off dementia, Parkinson’s disease and certain types of post-traumatic stress disorders.

Other Benefits of Fish Oil for Men

The benefits of fish oil for men do not stop with the above categories. Men who are intentional about getting the recommended daily amount of fish oil can also feel good about lowering the risk of developing prostate cancer, seizures related to epilepsy, stroke and more.

Over all, it is clear that it is a good idea for men to make the intake of fish oil one of the cornerstones of a healthy eating plan. With so many specific benefits to men, you owe it to yourself to make this commitment to obtaining a sufficient amount of fish oil from your daily diet. The specific benefits of fish oil for men make it worth the time to consider how it may be possible to improve your health and wellness via this avenue.

New Research Suggests Exercise Protects Against Prostate Cancer

Jun 10 by Ewcopywriting

The prostate, located between the penis and the bladder, is an essential part of the male reproductive system as it creates a fluid that’s used to carry sperm and keep it in a liquid state. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for men to develop prostate cancer, and while men of any age can develop this condition, it’s more likely to affect older men. A new study finds that exercise protects against prostate cancer, adding to the natural ways that men can reduce their risks for this type of cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Overall, prostate cancer is a widespread problem: As the American Cancer Society reports, there were 174,650 new cases in 2019. A total of 31,620 deaths were also attributed to prostate cancer last year. While advanced prostate cancer can be fatal, getting an early diagnosis will improve the effectiveness of treatment. When diagnosed early enough, standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are effective in eradicating this type of cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors

About half of men develop prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) cells as they age. These are precancerous cells that increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. PIN cells are usually not cancerous as they start out, but may become cancerous over time. Even if they do become cancerous, they may be low-grade cancer cells, which means they will not spread and grow. However, in some cases, the PIN cells do become high-grade cancer cells, which means they will multiply and spread cancer to other cells. This condition does require treatment.

While we don’t know what causes PIN cells to develop as men age, there are certain risk factors for prostate cancer. The following risk factors can affect whether or not someone will develop prostate cancer:

Age: Men over 50 are more likely to be affected.
Race: Black males are most likely to develop prostate cancer, followed by white males. Asian and Hispanic males are least likely to develop the condition.
Heredity: A family history of prostate cancer also raises the risks.
Genetics: Defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may also increase your risk of contracting this type of cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

difficulty initiating and maintaining a urine stream
unusually frequent need to urinate
bloody semen or urine
pain during urination, or during ejaculation
erectile dysfunction
experiencing pain when in a sitting position, which is the result of an enlarged prostate

Research Suggests Exercise Protects Against Prostate Cancer

While some risk factors for developing prostate cancer are known, research has focused on finding additional factors that influence who is more likely to get the disease. Some of this research has found that a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamin E and calcium, does increase the risk of prostate cancer. While ensuring you get enough of these nutrients can help, a newer study suggests physical activity also plays an important role.

A joint study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Bristol found evidence that exercise protects against prostate cancer. The researchers examined the medical records for 79,148 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, alongside the records for 61,106 men who were cancer-free. They compared these records to the known risk factors for developing prostate cancer.

Examining the records, researchers found that those who had a genetic predisposition for being physically active had a 51 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Although the study looked at a total of 22 risk factors, the researchers noted that exercise and physical activity had the biggest impact on the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Dr. Sarah Lewis, who co-authored the study, suggested that men can reduce their risks for prostate cancer by living more physically active lifestyles.

Natural Ways to Reduce Your Risks for Prostate Cancer

In addition to getting more exercise, there are more natural ways to reduce prostate cancer risks. Here are a few suggestions.

Eat Red Foods

Tomatoes, watermelon and other fruits with a red pulp contain a compound called lycopene. This is a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer for men. While research is ongoing, it’s believed that redder tomatoes contain more potent concentrations of lycopene.

Add More Plant-Based Foods

While eating more red foods may boost your resistance to prostate cancer, all plant-based foods can help. By eating a broad range of fruits and vegetables, you’ll be giving your body an ample supply of nutrients to boost your immune system and fight off all types of cancer.

Take a Dietary Supplement

Adding a supplement to your daily routine can also help you maintain the nutrients your body needs to guard against prostate cancer. Prostachron is specifically formulated with vitamins and other nutrients that help support a healthy immune system and guard against the development of prostate cancer.

Lose Weight

Limiting your calorie intake and getting more physical activity will help you get your weight under control. Obesity weakens your immune system and promotes the conditions that encourage the growth of cancer cells, so getting your weight under control can have a significant impact on prostate health.

Increase Your Coffee Consumption

Some research indicates that drinking three to four cups of coffee each day can decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer. The 2014 study indicated that every three cups of coffee consumed decreased prostate cancer risk by 11 percent. The researchers also noted that boiling coffee, instead of brewing it, also had an impact on the study’s results.

High Cholesterol and Erectile Dysfunction: What’s the Connection?

Feb 21 by Ewcopywriting

Erectile dysfunction is a frustrating and often embarrassing condition that involves the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. Although it’s natural to have difficulty obtaining an erection from time to time, this condition infers a more long-term problem. While erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, adult males of any age can develop this condition. New research has found a link between high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction, reinforcing the importance of maintaining good cardiovascular health for men.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Research over the past several decades has helped us to understand the erectile dysfunction more thoroughly and we now know that it can be caused by either psychological or physical problems. Even though this condition, commonly called E.D., is treatable, many men are reluctant to seek treatment out of embarrassment. Understanding more about the condition can help reduce the stigma that surrounds it.

There are a few specific risk factors for erectile dysfunction that have been identified through research. Learning about them can help you limit your risk of developing the condition and may help you control, or reduce, E.D. episodes. For example, we know that psychological problems can cause the condition to develop temporarily, so seeking treatment for mental afflictions can help. These psychological causes of E.D. include:

depression
strong feelings of anxiety
guilt
fear of intimate relations

There’s a much longer list of physiological causes and risk factors for developing E.D., so maintaining good overall health is essential to lowering your risks. Some of the known physiological risk factors include:

cardiovascular disease
hypertension
high LDL cholesterol
diabetes
obesity
Parkinson’s disease
multiple sclerosis
substance abuse

Additionally, conditions that directly affect the male reproductive system will also raise the risk of developing erectile dysfunction. This can include a low testosterone count, prostate disease or Peyronie disease. Erectile dysfunction can also commonly result from injuries to the spine or pelvic region.

As previously mentioned, erectile dysfunction is marked by an inability to obtain or maintain an erection. Even if an erection is achieved, the individual may not be able to maintain it long enough to complete intercourse, or to ejaculate during masturbation. These incidences are only considered symptoms of E.D. when they occur frequently over a long period of time. Additionally, the individual may lose interest in sex and may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to engage in any type of sexual activity.

How Are High Cholesterol and Erectile Dysfunction Connected?

Further research has confirmed that high cholesterol is a contributing factor in causing E.D. to develop in some men. Previously, the link between high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction was assumed, because high cholesterol raises the risks of developing other conditions that are known to lead to erectile dysfunction. For instance, people with high cholesterol often develop diabetes or heart disease, which, in turn, can cause E.D. to develop as one symptom. The latest research suggests, however, that there may be a more direct link.

HDL cholesterol is good for the body, because it aids in the production of tissue and sex hormones. However, LDL cholesterol is a harmful substance that builds up in the body’s arteries and creates blockages that can inhibit the flow of blood. Since the penis becomes erect by becoming engorged with blood, an inhibited blood flow can interrupt, or prevent, the process of developing an erection. The condition in which cholesterol build-up in the arteries inhibits blood flow is a serious condition known as atherosclerosis and E.D. is only one symptom of the condition.

For men with high cholesterol, getting treatment may help resolve their E.D. experiences naturally. The most common treatment for high cholesterol are medications known as statins. These drugs inhibit the production of the protein that the liver uses to produce cholesterol. As the protein, known as HMG-CoA reductase, is blocked, the body responds by removing more cholesterol from the blood supply. When used in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes, statins can be very effective in lowering cholesterol levels. As a result, other conditions in the body may also be alleviated, including instances of erectile dysfunction.

Natural Ways to Maintain Better Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, so this is the perfect time to begin taking steps to improve your cardiovascular health. In doing so, you can also improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of developing E.D. Here are a few lifestyle tips to help you get started.

Adopt a Healthier Diet

Changing the foods you eat is essential to controlling your cholesterol levels. You can start by eating heart healthy foods, such as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel and flaxseeds)and soluble fiber (kidney beans, oatmeal and apples). You should also eliminate saturated fats (full-fat dairy foods and red meat) and trans fats (store-bought pastries and cookies, or anything containing vegetable oil) from your diet.

Take a Dietary Supplement

There are high-quality dietary supplements available, such as Cardiochron, which are engineered to promote optimal heart health. Cardiochron provides the folic acid and B vitamins that are essential to overall cardiovascular health, along with other nutrients to help you maintain a healthy heart and normal cholesterol levels.

Get More Exercise

Your heart is a muscle and, like any other muscle, regular exercise is essential for keeping it strong and healthy. As a minimum, you should be getting 30 minutes of medium to high-intensity exercise every day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix things up. Go swimming, take a bike ride and hit the gym on alternating days. The variety will help you exercise different muscle groups, while giving your heart the strenuous workout it needs.

Effects of Probiotics May Differ in Men and Women

Dec 18 by Ewcopywriting

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that comprise the flora of an individual’s digestive tract. However, unlike potentially harmful organisms, these bacteria help promote healthy digestion and overall general health. Specifically, probiotics, or “friendly bacteria,” help the body process foods and curtail or eliminate several digestive problems such as gas, bloating, indigestion and diarrhea. A healthy gut microbiome also contributes to immune system health, among other things. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods in your diet or supplementing with a probiotic formula can help ensure a healthy gut microbiome; however, new research suggests the effects of probiotics may differ in women and men.

The Connection Between Probiotics and the Immune System

Scientists opine that aside from maintaining a healthy digestive system, probiotics also exert a positive impact upon other bodily systems including the skin, the reproductive tract and oral health. That said, researchers also stress that these substances play a most crucial role in maintaining optimal immune-system health.

Relatively recent scientific studies have found that probiotics may be receptive to certain genes that stimulate the body’s immunity. Further investigation has concluded that the administration of probiotics might prove effective in treating or potentially preventing autoimmune disorders like eczema, nasal and systemic allergies and possibly certain viral infections.

Healthy Intestinal Flora Support the Immune System

The vast majority of the bacteria found inside the body, both good and bad, are situated within a section of the large intestine. This region is called the gut microbiome. Scientists say more than 1,000 types of microscopic organisms reside here and many of them execute important systemic functions.

Many issues can impact gut flora such as illnesses, the foods and beverages you consume, the use of medications like antibiotics, lifestyle habits and stress. However, if any one of the preceding issues upsets this balance, the afflicted person could stand at greater risk of developing a host of ailments. Thus, maintaining an optimal balance of healthy gut flora is crucial to one’s general health.

The Effects Of Probiotics on Men and Women

Recent research has discovered that probiotics might impact men and women in different ways. Intending to put this theory to the test, a team of English scientists representing Reading University studied the impact probiotics had on both male and female infant piglets.

In the study, researchers administered pro- and prebiotic products to each subject and then carefully examined immune system components of both genders. They discovered that, at approximately one-month old, discernible differences could be noted between the males and females regarding the composition of immune cells, antibodies and immune system molecules.

Male and female subjects were administered a variety of different substances. In certain instances, each gender experienced far different reactions. Researchers suggest that such occurrences might indicate that each gender’s bodies and immune systems develop differently. Therefore, pro- and prebiotics that produce a certain response in one sex may not in the other.

The Importance of These Findings

The study’s lead researcher opined that gender has a profound impact on how the immune system develops. With this in mind, it becomes evident that probiotics, while healthy and vital to one’s general health, are not necessarily a one-size fits all type of product. Certain probiotic and prebiotic substances are more likely to yield better results based upon how they interact with the body chemistry of the individual ingesting them. Furthermore, the researchers believe that probiotics could play an important role in addressing specific illnesses; however, gender will be a critical factor for those conducting future research studies.

How to Balance Gut Flora

Despite the study’s findings, researchers also opine that the ingestion of pre- and probiotics is still critical to optimal health. Fortunately, probiotic and prebiotic ingestion can be achieved by:

Consuming Certain Foods

Numerous foods contain prebiotic/probiotic substances. Specific foods include:

Yogurt

Yogurt is well-known for containing gut-stabilizing flora. However, not all yogurt contains these substances. It is important to check the labels and purchase only products designated as containing probiotics.

Produce

Several fruits and vegetables are rife with prebiotics. The substances are especially plentiful in onions, garlic, artichokes, leeks, pickles, cabbage, asparagus and bananas.

Cheese

Certain cheeses contain high levels of probiotics. The ones considered most plentiful are gouda, cottage cheese, cheddar and mozzarella.

Soy-Based Products

Spices and other products that contain soy such as miso, tempeh and tofu are all valuable and fruitful sources of probiotics.

Taking a Probiotic Supplement

Fortunately, individuals who do not frequently consume dairy products or produce can still ingest adequate supplies of prebiotics and probiotics through supplementation. Look for a high-quality formula that provides both prebiotic and probiotic ingredients, such as Florachron. Proper usage of this product can help the intestinal tract achieve or maintain an optimal balance of bacteria. That said, supplementation should not be viewed as a means of curing any potential health issue. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements should be used in conjunction with a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Everything You Need to Know

Oct 18 by Ewcopywriting

There are two primary types of vitamins: those that dissolve in water and those that dissolve in fat. Fat-soluble vitamins, or those that don’t dissolve in water, should be taken along with some dietary fat in order to obtain the most benefits. After the supplement has dissolved, the vitamins contained within it are delivered to the liver and to fatty tissues throughout the body. These vitamins will be stored in these locations until the body needs them.

Here is everything you need to know about fat-soluble vitamins, so you can choose a vitamin supplement that will provide you with the best health benefits.

Which Vitamins are Fat-Soluble?

There are four specific vitamins that are fat-soluble: vitamins A, D, E and K. Each one of these vitamins provides different health benefits and your body needs a daily supply of them to function properly. While these vitamins are found naturally in foods, it may be necessary to take a supplement to ensure you’re getting a sufficient supply of each vitamin. However, it’s equally important to not overdo it. Since these vitamins are stored in the liver, ingesting too much of any of these vitamins can lead to liver toxicity. This is why it’s important to check with your doctor before starting a new vitamin supplement if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medication.

If you want to add fat-soluble vitamins to your diet, they can each be found in a variety of foods. Vitamin A can be found in butter, animal liver and fish liver oil. Vitamin D is separated into two groups. D3 is found in animal fat, while D2 is common in many types of plants. For instance, mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D2. Vitamin E is found in almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and oil and wheat germ oil. Vitamin K can be found in kale, parsley, spinach, liver, egg yolk and butter.

How Do Fat-Soluble Vitamins Differ From Water-Soluble Vitamins?

While vitamins that are fat-soluble are stored in the body for later use, water-soluble vitamins are used immediately. As soon as the water in the body dissolves the vitamins, they are instantly distributed to the parts of the body that can use them. This means you’ll need to ingest a higher supply of these vitamins to ensure your body has a sufficient quantity of them when needed.

Another difference is that water-soluble vitamins don’t represent a danger to the liver. While fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissue, water-soluble vitamins are never stored. If you take more than the recommended daily allowance of a water-soluble vitamin, the body will expel the excess amount through the urine. This is why your urine may change color if you take too much of certain water-soluble vitamins. In some cases, taking too much of a water-soluble vitamin may also cause you to experience diarrhea.

There are more vitamins that are water-soluble than fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are:

vitamin B1 (thiamine)
vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
vitamin B3 (niacin)
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
folate (folic acid)
vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
biotin
pantothenic acid
vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

It should be noted that a healthy diet won’t cause you to overload on vitamins that are fat-soluble or water-soluble. This is something that only occurs when taking too much of a quality multivitamin. In addition to consulting your doctor before starting a new supplement, it’s important to read the label and follow the recommended dosages. This will ensure you won’t be taking more than your body needs.

The Benefits of Taking a High-Quality Multivitamin Supplement

Taking a quality multivitamin that includes daily allowances for both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins can help you ensure you won’t suffer a vitamin deficiency. When taking a high-quality multivitamin you’ll be able to enjoy a broad range of health benefits. Some common benefits of the most crucial vitamins are listed below:

Vitamin A: The primary benefit of vitamin A is in promoting healthy vision, but it can also be effective in fighting acne and other skin disorders.
Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential to bone health, making it especially beneficial to those at a risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps keep the teeth strong and healthy.
Vitamin E: Recognized as an antioxidant, vitamin E can help fight off the free radicals that exist throughout the body. It also boosts heart health, skin health and blood circulation.
Vitamin K: A good supply of vitamin K will help blood clotting, so you won’t bleed too much from minor injuries. The blood clotting this vitamin helps to promote is also helpful in preventing excessive menstrual blood flow.
Vitamin B1: Promotes stronger energy levels and keeps the nervous system in good condition.
Vitamin B2: This is another vitamin that promotes healthy skin and vision.
Vitamin B3: Regulates the metabolism and improves digestion. It also helps promote good enzyme functioning.
Vitamin B6: Aids in the production of red blood cells, hemoglobin and insulin.
Folate: Helps protein metabolism, while also promotes the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12: In addition to regulating red blood cell production, this vitamin also helps keep the nervous system functioning properly.
Pantothenic Acid: Regulates hormone production and metabolism.

The body relies on a steady supply of vitamins, which is why eating a healthy diet is so important. The vitamin intake you receive from eating healthy foods can be supplemented by taking a quality multivitamin. Together, good food and a daily supplement will help you give your body the vitamins it needs to stay healthy and strong.

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease?

Oct 03 by Ewcopywriting

While vegetable compounds like diallyl sulfide make onions and garlic more flavorful and contribute to their spiciness, they may also play a more important role when it comes to human health. While previous research has looked at how these compounds affect the development of various medical conditions, a recent study focused specifically on their effects on breast cancer risk. This new research linking diallyl sulfide and cancer suggests eating more onions and garlic may provide greater protection from developing certain types of cancer.

New Study Finds Link Between Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 2 A new study sought to examine how eating vegetables that belong to the allium genus (garlic, onions, chives, leeks and the like) affected the development of breast cancer in women living in Puerto Rico. The study, which was conducted at The University of Buffalo in upstate New York, focused on women of that particular area because Puerto Rico has a significantly lower rate of breast cancer than the continental United States. Additionally, “sofrito,” which includes garlic and onion as primary ingredients, is a popular condiment all across Puerto Rico.

The study examined the medical histories for 314 women who were between the ages of 30 and 79, and who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. A control group consisted of 346 women within the same age range and geographical area, but who had not been diagnosed with cancer. A survey administered to the women in both groups asked about their dietary habits, focusing on their consumption of garlic and onion. In particular, the questionnaire asked participants to record their consumption of sofrito.

Using unconditional logistic regression, the researchers examined how the consumption of onions and garlic affected the rate of breast cancer. The study involved comparing breast cancer risk among women with a high consumption of these types of vegetables versus women who consumed lower amounts of garlic and onions. Surprisingly, they found that there was a correlation between eating vegetables in the allium genus and lower rates of breast cancer. They determined that consuming high amounts of sofrito resulted in as much as a 67 percent drop in the risk of developing breast cancer.

As an observational study, this research can’t pinpoint exactly why or how onions and garlic lower the risks of breast cancer. Until more direct research can be conducted, scientists have theorized that there is likely a link between the highly antioxidant vegetable compound diallyl sulfide and cancer. Together with other compounds, such as the S-allylcysteine anddiallyl disulfide found in garlic and the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides found in onions, diallyl sulfide may help protect cellular health when consumed regularly in one’s diet.

Diallyl Sulfide May Benefit Health in Other Ways

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 1 In previous research, scientists found that diallyl sulfide may affect the risk of developing other types of cancer. In an experiment conducted with mice, it was found that the risk of developing colorectal cancer was reduced by 74 percent overall when a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection was administered once weekly over a 20-week period. The 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection contained the same compounds in comparable amounts as those consumed by eating fresh onions and garlic.

Other previous research found that diallyl trisulfide may protect against the development of prostate cancer in men. A newer study examined how the compound appeared to cause prostate cancer cell death, with researchers taking an interest in exactly how this process was instigated. Specifically, they looked at inhibitor proteins to determine how they were related to cell death in mice with prostate cancer. They found that as the inhibitor protein levels decreased, cancer cell death increased. Ultimately, it was determined that the compounds found naturally in onions and garlic may affect cellular health by blocking the inhibitor proteins that allow cancer cells to thrive. In this way, prostate cancer cells can’t get the nourishment they need to grow, so, as people consume more onions and garlic, they could be building up a stronger defense against the development of prostate cancer.

In other studies, diallyl sulfide was found to provide a broad range of health benefits. While its promotion of cellular health alone may be enough to encourage more regular onion and garlic consumption, it has been found that the compound also provides other important benefits. Studies have found that it helps cut down on oxidative stress while also modulating internal inflammation. In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, diallyl sulfide also has antimicrobial properties. This suggests that regular consumption of onions and garlic may also help fortify the immune system.

While we don’t fully understand all of the benefits that onions and garlic provide, early research has shown us that these vegetables can be very beneficial to overall health. Regular consumption of certain onions and garlic compounds, whether via diet or supplementation, may help protect cellular health. It may also help us boost heart health and keep the immune system strong. As scientists continue to look deeper into how this compound benefits the human body, we will likely find that its consumption provides even more health advantages. In the meantime, adding diallyl sulfide-rich foods and supplements to your daily routine may help you stay healthier longer.