Diet and Cancer

GARLIC and CancerWhy should I be concerned about cancer?Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US. It kills 1 out of every 4 Americans each year.

How is diet related to cancer?While many factors contribute to a person’s risk of getting cancer, diet may be linked to as much as one-third of all cancer deaths in the US. Recent research has shown that components of plant foods called phytochemicals may decrease cancer risk.

What are phytochemicals?“Phyto” comes from the Greek word for plant. Phytochemicals are naturally-occurring components of plants that may help prevent chronic diseases like cancer.

How does garlic decrease cancer risk?Garlic is a member of the allium family, which also contains onions, scallions, leeks, and chives. The strong flavor and odor of garlic is due to the phytochemical allicin, which may reduce the risk of cancer by helping make enzymes that destroy cancer-causing substances.

FAST FACTS...Garlic’s nickname is the “stinking rose”. A San Francisco restaurant with the same name serves garlic ice cream!

Garlic is related to onions, leeks, scallions, and chives.

Chicago got its name from the American Indian word for wild garlic that grew near Lake Michigan- "Chicagaoua”.

Garlic has been recognized by many different cultures over time for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Include GARLIC in YOUR diet...several times per week!

Prepared by J. Lynne Brown, Ph.D., R. D.Associate Professor Food Science

The Pennsylvania State University 2004 c Layout and Design by Dave Varley

College of Agricultural SciencesAgricultural Research and Cooperative Extension

Garlic Availability

Fresh garlic bulbs

Bottled peeled garlic cloves

Bottled minced garlic

Garlic powder

Minced dried garlic