RW News: FAMU Professor has new Evidence that Garlic is the Anti-Cancer Weapon

Ronald D. Thomas, associate professor in the Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, (COOPS) has new evidence that garlic could play a significant role in the prevention of cancer and many cancer prevention research scientists agree that one of the keys to unlocking the door of cancer prevention is eating more vegetables.

For many years, scientists have been accumulating evidence that what we eat and how it is prepared has a lot to do with preventing or causing cancer, especially garlic. Thomas, an environmental toxicologist, suggested that studies have shown that a chemical that helps give garlic its flavor can keep PhIP from triggering DNA damage or the formation of carcinogens in the body. Thomas further suggests that the garlic flavor component, called DAS, triggers a gene alteration in PhIP that might play a significant role in preventing breast and other types of cancer.

“People should include garlic with their daily meals or take a garlic supplement if they can’t take it in their meals,” said Thomas. “Additionally, eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables.”

“The research that our faculty are involved in seek to find cures for the many disease facing society and improve the quality of life for patients everywhere,” said Henry Lewis III, dean and professor of FAMU’s COPPS.