For many adults, tapioca is inextricably linked to school dinners
Tapioca pudding - widely known as frog's eggs by many school pupils - may after all be good for you.
Scientists say the plant from which it is derived may help cure cancer.
Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant.
It is one of many plants which manufactures cyanide to deter animals who might want to eat it.
It does this by producing a chemical called linamarin which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the linamarase enzyme.
Geneticists at Newcastle University have been taking genetic material from the cassava plant and adding it to a virus.
This is then introduced into cancer cells which have been impregnated with linamarin from the cassava plant.
The aim is for the cancer cells to produce hydrogen cyanide in high enough doses so that they commit suicide.
Hydrogen cyanide
Professor Monica Hughes has been studying cassava and cancer for seven years.
She has cloned the genes from the plant which are responsible for producing hydrogen cyanide.
Her objective is to reduce the toxicity of the cyanide so that it will not harm humans.
Cassava is a staple crop for many people in Africa, Asia and South America, but, if it is processing wrongly, it can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Because the plant is rarely used in Western diets, it has not been subject to much scrutiny by geneticists.
Professor Hughes has been working with a research team in Madrid to modify the cassava gene and transfer it to a retrovirus.
This gives the retrovirus the ability to produce linamarase.
The Spanish researchers found that a brain tumour in a rat was totally eradicated after one week of the genetic treatment.
It allowed the localised release of small doses of cyanide through the breakdown of linamarin by linamarase.
Neighbouring cells
The team found that part of the reason the tumour was so quickly destroyed was that the cells containing the retrovirus also affected surrounding cells.
They say tests on human tissue samples for certain cancers also look promising.
Professor Hughes' research has been funded by the European Union, but her funding has now run out and she is looking for other sources.
She says her next step is "to modify the genetic material with a view to making the treatment more effective when applied to mammalian cells".
A spokesman for Newcastle University said the research showed how genetically modifying plants could bring beneficial effects.
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Cassava harvest.
Tapioca pudding - widely known as frog's eggs by many school pupils - may after all be good for you.
Scientists say the plant from which it is derived may help cure cancer.
Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant.
It is one of many plants which manufactures cyanide to deter animals who might want to eat it.
It does this by producing a chemical called linamarin which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the linamarase enzyme.
Geneticists at Newcastle University have been taking genetic material from the cassava plant and adding it to a virus.
This is then introduced into cancer cells which have been impregnated with linamarin from the cassava plant.
The aim is for the cancer cells to produce hydrogen cyanide in high enough doses so that they commit suicide.
Hydrogen cyanide
Professor Monica Hughes has been studying cassava and cancer for seven years.
She has cloned the genes from the plant which are responsible for producing hydrogen cyanide.
Her objective is to reduce the toxicity of the cyanide so that it will not harm humans.
Cassava is a staple crop for many people in Africa, Asia and South America, but, if it is processing wrongly, it can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Because the plant is rarely used in Western diets, it has not been subject to much scrutiny by geneticists.
Professor Hughes has been working with a research team in Madrid to modify the cassava gene and transfer it to a retrovirus.
This gives the retrovirus the ability to produce linamarase.
The Spanish researchers found that a brain tumour in a rat was totally eradicated after one week of the genetic treatment.
It allowed the localised release of small doses of cyanide through the breakdown of linamarin by linamarase.
Neighbouring cells
The team found that part of the reason the tumour was so quickly destroyed was that the cells containing the retrovirus also affected surrounding cells.
They say tests on human tissue samples for certain cancers also look promising.
Professor Hughes' research has been funded by the European Union, but her funding has now run out and she is looking for other sources.
She says her next step is "to modify the genetic material with a view to making the treatment more effective when applied to mammalian cells".
A spokesman for Newcastle University said the research showed how genetically modifying plants could bring beneficial effects.
Manioc’s VitaminB17 kills the cancercell in humans | |
Apricot seed kernels are used in the fight against cancer. The kernels contain Vitamin B17, and Vitamin B17 is used in medication to counter cancer. B17 tablets with apricot seed extract are available in Australia and in the US. All the information you need is available on the www.worldwithoutcancer.com website.
This letter is about how manioc, which also contains Vitamin B17, has the potential to combat cancer.
My story starts with a cancer I developed seven years ago. A cystoscopy revealed transitional cell cancer. The kidney, ureter and a little part of the bladder where the ureter enters the bladder were surgically removed. I was given radiation treatment, and I remained in good health over the next seven years (I was examined once a year). My bladder was cancer-free until November 2009. That month I started passing blood. Another cystoscopy was done, and a polypoidal growth close to the bladder neck was removed. The biopsy this time again revealed transitional cell cancer.
I had read on world without cancer.org that manioc – also known as cassava or tapioca – has a high B17 component. For a whole month following the removal of the polypoidal growth in the bladder, I ate manioc daily, usually twice a day. A cystoscopy done a month later showed that the bladder was completely symptom-free. I felt very well.
Was my wellbeing the result of the cancer-fighting properties of manioc’s Vitamin B17? It would be wonderful, I thought, if a test group of cancer patients used manioc in order to confirm that manioc really does have the ability to fight cancer, as it seemed to have done in my case.
Here is what happens when a cancer patient eats manioc:
Once the manioc is consumed, the manioc’s Vitamin B17 combines in the normal human cell with an enzyme called Rhodanese, which breaks down the B17 into three sugars. The cancer cell, which is an immature cell, has a different enzyme, beta-glucosidase, which breaks the B17 into glucose, benzaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid. The hydrocyanic acid acts like an LTTE cyanide capsule, killing the cancer cell.
I appeal to all cancer patients to try the manioc solution. If it works, it could be a great discovery for cancer patients around the world, especially those living in the tropics of Asia, Africa and the Americas, where manioc / cassava / tapioca grows and is freely available.
Please note that there are precautions to be taken in the preparation of manioc.
1. Never, I repeat never, eat ginger with manioc, or even after consuming manioc. If you have been eating manioc, do not take any form of ginger or ginger products, such as ginger beer and ginger-nut biscuits. The serious risks of mixing ginger with manioc are well known in Sri Lanka.
2. When preparing manioc for eating, check whether the tuber shows a blue line when peeled for cooking. If there is a blue line, the manioc must be rejected. Manioc has cyanide in it and the blue line is an indication of cyanide emergence.
3. Cook manioc in an earthenware pot. Fill the pot with water to completely cover the manioc, and well above the level of the manioc. When boiling, keep the pot open. Do not close the pot with a lid. Once the manioc is boiled, throw away the water in the pot.
Dr. Cynthia Jayasuriya, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon
|
Cassava harvest.
The root of the cassava plant contains significant amounts of several nutrients, including calcium and vitamin C.
Native to South America, cassava is one of the world's most widely consumed sources of carbohydrates.
In folk medicine, the roots of the cassava are applied directly to the skin (often in the form of a poultice) to promote the healing of wounds and sores.
Additionally, cassava root starch is sometimes used as an ingredient in vitamin C supplements.
The cassava plant can release cyanide (a potentially lethal substance) when consumed in whole form. Although proper preparation of cassava eliminates the presence of cyanide, incorrect preparation can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Due to a lack of research, little is known about the safety of longterm or regular use of dietary supplements containing cassava.
Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated.
In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals.
Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get further tips on using supplements safely here.
Although scientific support for the use of natural remedies in treatment of infertility is fairly limited, some preliminary studies suggest that such herbs as maca may have fertility-boosting effects.
In addition, undergoing acupuncture may help improve fertility. While research on acupuncture and fertility has yielded mixed results, a 2011 report published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that "most of the existing studies suggest a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility treatment."
For help in preventing cancer, it's important to avoid smoking, limit your alcohol consumption, follow a balanced diet (including a high intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as food sources of antioxidants and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids), maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and limit your sun exposure.
There's also some evidence that certain natural substances may have cancer-fighting benefits. These substances include green tea, resveratrol, garlic, and turmeric. Additionally, some studies show that maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D may help protect against some forms of cancer.
Often sold in capsule or powder form, cassava can be purchased in some natural-foods stores and stores specializing in herbal products. Dietary supplements containing cassava also are available for purchase online.
A Word From Me
Preliminary research suggests that linamarin (a compound found in cassava) may have cancer-fighting properties.
The plant's leaves, meanwhile, have been found to contain protein, carotene, and lysine.
Uses
In alternative medicine, cassava is used for a variety of conditions. Along with enhanced fertility, health claims for cassava include prevention of cancer and treatment of the following conditions:- Arthritis
- Conjunctivitis
- Diarrhea
- Flu
- Headaches
In folk medicine, the roots of the cassava are applied directly to the skin (often in the form of a poultice) to promote the healing of wounds and sores.
Additionally, cassava root starch is sometimes used as an ingredient in vitamin C supplements.
Caveats
The cassava plant can release cyanide (a potentially lethal substance) when consumed in whole form. Although proper preparation of cassava eliminates the presence of cyanide, incorrect preparation can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Signs of cyanide poisoning include headache, agitation, and convulsions.
Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated.
In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals.
Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get further tips on using supplements safely here.
Alternatives
Although scientific support for the use of natural remedies in treatment of infertility is fairly limited, some preliminary studies suggest that such herbs as maca may have fertility-boosting effects.
In addition, undergoing acupuncture may help improve fertility. While research on acupuncture and fertility has yielded mixed results, a 2011 report published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that "most of the existing studies suggest a positive effect of acupuncture in infertility treatment."
For help in preventing cancer, it's important to avoid smoking, limit your alcohol consumption, follow a balanced diet (including a high intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as food sources of antioxidants and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids), maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and limit your sun exposure.
There's also some evidence that certain natural substances may have cancer-fighting benefits. These substances include green tea, resveratrol, garlic, and turmeric. Additionally, some studies show that maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D may help protect against some forms of cancer.
Where to Find It
Often sold in capsule or powder form, cassava can be purchased in some natural-foods stores and stores specializing in herbal products. Dietary supplements containing cassava also are available for purchase online.
A Word From Me
Preliminary research suggests that linamarin (a compound found in cassava) may have cancer-fighting properties.
In a 2002 study from the Journal of Gene Medicine, for example, tests on rats determined that linamarin may help destroy tumors.
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