Seaweed Found Off Florida Coast can Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer

Seaweed found near the coast of Florida may protect men against prostate cancer, a new study reported.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Florida who have isolated compounds from the seaweed that can prevent many illnesses, including prostate cancer.

"We now have scientific evidence that this seaweed raises the body's antioxidant defense system and therefore might potentially prevent a number of diseases, including cancer," said Luesch. "This mechanism appears to be most relevant to prostate cancer."

Hendrik Luesch, an associate professor of medicinal chemistry in the UF College of Pharmacy said that not many studies have verified the correlation between consumption of the plant and reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.

Apparently, the risk of the cancer is particularly low in Asian countries as the plant is a common part of the diet.

"We now have scientific evidence that this seaweed raises the body's antioxidant defense system and therefore might potentially prevent a number of diseases, including cancer," said Luesch. "This mechanism appears to be most relevant to prostate cancer."

Molecules such as free radicals are known to damage cells, leading to oxidation and inflammation in the body.

Luesch and colleagues found compounds in sea lettuce and used an indirect method to eliminate these free radicals. These compounds increased levels of antioxidants in the body, according to a news release

Prostate cancer occurs in tissues of prostate- a gland that is present below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. National Cancer Institute says that, an estimated 238,590 new cases will be diagnosed and about 29,720 men will die from the cancer in the U.S. this year.

According to Luesch sea lettuce is an ideal natural supplement. He added that the compounds in sea lettuce can not only prevent prostate cancer in men, but also reduce risk of other inflammation-related disorders such as heart disease and arthritis.

The study is published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.