Do you know about the cancer-fighting compounds found in everyday foods? If you’re someone who’s health-conscious, you probably already know about health-improving compounds like resveratrol, quercetin, sulforaphane, luteolin, and sterols. While you may be making a conscious effort to include these in your diet, chances are you’re also consuming other health-benefiting plant compounds called terpenoids, without even realizing it.
Terpenoids: Cancer Fighters and Anti-Aging Compounds
There are over 40,000 different types of terpenoids known to us, and many of them share a remarkable ability — they can kill cancer cells. A variety of terpenoids have been shown to combat tumors and help prevent cancer. Researchers from the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have now discovered even more powerful cancer-fighting properties of terpenoids.
Their study focused on terpenoids from the Siberian fir tree. By testing these terpenoids on colon cancer and pancreatic cancer cells, researchers found that they activated a specific group of genes that stopped cancer cells from spreading. Excitingly, they also observed anti-aging properties in terpenoids, as the compounds activated longevity-associated genes in old cells.
This isn’t the first time terpenoids from trees have exhibited medicinal benefits. Previous studies have shown that terpenoids from birch trees possess anti-bacterial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties.
Treat Yourself to Terpenoids Every Day
While you won’t be eating Siberian fir needles to increase your terpenoid intake, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy these beneficial plant compounds. Siberian fir essential oil or supplements are an excellent way to benefit from Siberian fir terpenoids specifically. Alternatively, all fir trees contain terpenoids, so you could also obtain benefits from extracts of other fir tree species.
But, if you’re looking for a simpler approach, you’ll be happy to know that many common foods contain terpenoids too. Here’s a list of dietary sources:
- Apples
- Olive oil
- Lemons
- Mangoes
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Dark, leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Fennel
- Anise
- Cloves
Moreover, if you’re interested in herbal supplements that contain cancer-fighting terpenoids, you can find them in:
- Black cohosh
- Astragalus root
- Gotu kola
- Reishi mushroom
- Gua lou
- Panax ginseng
Final Thoughts
While the Siberian fir tree’s beneficial terpenoids are an exciting development in the fight against cancer and aging, you don’t need to go out of your way to benefit from the powerful effects of terpenoids. By incorporating the everyday foods listed above into your diet, you can enjoy the cancer-fighting, health-boosting benefits of these plant compounds. Supplies can also be found in dietary supplements and herbal remedies. In short, whether you’re looking to improve your overall well-being or have a specific focus on cancer prevention, there are plenty of terpenoid-rich options available.
