Methyl donors proven best for cancer prevention

Methyl donors are donors of methyl group, often involved in a process called methylation. Examples of methyl group donors are methionine, betaine, trimethylglycine, methylsulphonylmethane, S-adenosyl methionine etc. Methylation is a process involved in maintaining DNA integrity, fat metabolism processes, neurological functions and all other biochemical processes.

DNA Methylation:

Cell's main centre nucleus is made up of the genetic machinery consisting mainly of DNA, RNA, proteins and other important molecules. Any mutations in the genes can cause the cells to multiply abnormally, causing cancer. Genetic mutations may also arise if there is inadequate DNA methylation. It has also been researched that DNA methylation can prevent the expression of harmful genes. 

How do methyl donors protect the cell from being cancerous?

 A lower level of DNA methylation was found to be the first epigenetic factor in development of cancer. This condition is also known as hypo-methylation or decreased methylation of DNA. Some studies using animal models, carried out by researchers worldwide, revealed that diets deficient in methyl donors and folate were responsible for promoting cancers. Also studies in human beings indicated that daily intake of foods rich in methyl donors were responsible for preventing cancers.

Methyl Diet:

A methyl diet is a diet rich in methyl donors such as folate, methionine, vitamin B12,SAMe,MSM etc. Strawberries and green leafy vegetables are rich source of folate and methionine. Milk and milk products are rich source of vitamin B12

Methionine:

Methionine is a non-polar amino acid. It is an important amino acid in proteins and contains sulphur. S-Adenosyl methionine also known as SAMe is a derivative of methionine. SAMe is a potent methyl donor. SAMe is commercially available. This compound is distributed to all the tissues in the body. It has an important role to play in various biochemical reactions such as enzymatic reactions, trans- methylation, contributing to synthesis and metabolism of hormones, nucleic acids, neurotransmitters, proteins and phospholipids. Thus it is a very useful therapeutic agent.

MSM:

MSM or Methyl Sulphonyl Methane is a third largest compound found in the human body. It improves our body’s mechanisms to synthesize antioxidants on its own. It is a rich source of sulphur that your body requires for carrying out various activities such as protein synthesis. It helps to improve joint health and flexibility.  It also helps to improve cellular vitality. In some studies MSM has revealed its apoptotic property selective to cancer cells. A combination of MSM and Vitamin C is efficiently considered to attack cancer cells, as MSM is an easy carrier of Vitamin C. Green leafy vegetables are a very good source of obtaining sulphur containing compounds.