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Going with the "probably can't hurt, might help" approach, using these oils makes some sense. But there's not any evidence that eating them can have the same effect on cancer cells as is seen in a lab, when they bathe a cancer cell in whatever substance is being studied. I agree with RB's cautions on this. Swallowing something is a LONG way from knowing that it's getting to a cancer cell in any significant (or diffferent) amount. Especially when we're talking of things that are already maintained by our body with multiple methods of control, and that can be formulated by our body from other substances.
But as long as it's relatively inexpensive and has little chance of causing harm, plus it gives us that illusion of control that we do love - why not?
Do you think that we'll ever have really good answers to all of the dietary questions? I wish that could happen, but I'm not very confident that it will. There are just so many complexities, and it's nearly impossible to do any kind of long-term dietary study because we do eat so many things that could be confounders to what's being looked at. Plus each body handles food ingredients differently - it's not just what is ingested but a very complex interplay of enzymes and organs regulating levels, again different in each body.
I think the only thing that we can say for sure is that it's prudent to avoid food that has been produced with pesticides, hormone supplements, and antibiotics. It's best to eat everything in moderation, and to limit simple carbs (diabetes issue, which affects many other issues). And exercise can make a big difference.
This is a little OT, but has anyone read "The Omnivore's Dilemma", by Michael Pollan? Fascinating, about many different aspects of what we eat. Not a "diet" book at all - no mandates nor agenda - just a very interesting and thought-provoking exploration. The sequel is out this month: "In Defense of Food" - I haven't read that one but am eager to do so. Hmm - Amazon says release date is January 2008, but I'm sure I've previously seen November 2007 as its release date.
Debbie Laxague
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