Angiogenesis is the process by which the body forms new blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients, supporting healing and growth.
Cancer cells can hijack this same process to grow tumors, which is why some cancer treatments work by blocking angiogenesis.
Certain foods contain compounds that may influence inflammation and angiogenesis, but a balanced diet supports overall health.
The body is continuously supporting the state of healing and growth — a vital function for human survival. But it can easily be taken advantage of by cancer.
Angiogenesis, a process that helps the body heal by creating new capillary connections that deliver oxygen and nutrients within the body, can be hijacked to grow tumors. Drugs that block the process of blood-vessel creation, known as angiogenesis, have been approved to treat certain types of colon, lung, and breast tumors, as well as other cancers.
Food fuels the body because of the compounds in it, including protein, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals. Although these compounds are in food, it remains unclear whether they are therapeutic.
What is the current research on angiogenic-sensitive foods?
Certain foods like green tea, red grapes, kale, and artichokes have compounds in them that may be sensitive to angiogenesis. Many of these vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices such as resveratrol in grapes and epigallocatechin gallate in green tea, help the body fight inflammation. Food does not replace proper treatment from a physician but does provide the body with proper nutrition that it needs to function well.
Other foods that have compounds that may be sensitive to angiogenesis may include:
- Broccoli: contains the sulfur compound sulforaphane, which may be effective in reducing inflammation and encouraging antioxidant defenses.
- Blueberries: containing antioxidants, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, which provide the immune boosting benefits and inflammation.
- Flaxseeds: made up of omega-3 fatty acids and the plant-based compound lignan ecoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) that has antioxidant properties, cardiovascular, and estrogen benefits.
- Turmeric: contains antioxidant curcumin.
While the body can receive benefits from antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods in plant-based foods, a well-balanced diet is important to properly fuel your body. A well-balanced diet consists of a variety of foods from dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fish and other lean proteins.
Scientists are still researching what compounds inside our food may help reduce angiogenesis and at which dose through ongoing preclinical and clinical trials, but standard cancer treatment remains the most effective way of treating the disease. Eating foods that fuel your body is complementary to staying healthy while receiving treatment directed by your doctor.
What other factors can have an impact on your health and angiogenesis?
Many foods contain compounds that provide inflammatory benefits that may provide a healthy foundation for your body, but besides diet, certain lifestyle and/or risk factors can have an impact on your health, including:
- Exercise: allows you to grow muscle and blood vessels because of a greater need for blood supply. This reduces inflammation.
- Obesity: excess fat tissue can cause inflammation because of a greater need to support oxygen and nutrients in the extra tissue.
- Smoking: the carcinogens can damage cells and trigger inflammatory cells in the lungs.
- Stress: stress hormones that are constantly activated may cause inflammation and chronic issues.