Cancer-busting fat found in soy

Published on Tuesday 24 November 2009 21:50

A FATTY ingredient in soy may explain its ability to combat bowel cancer, research suggests. Scientists believe soy's cancer-fighting secret is molecules called sphingadienes (SDs).

The fats were first identified in fruit flies and studies showed that raised levels of SDs induced the self-destruction of mutant cells.

US scientists at the Children's Hospital & Research Centre in Oakland, California, have now discovered that soy is a rich source of SDs. Study leader Dr Julie Saba said:

"I would be comfortable recommending soy as a change in diet that could protect against cancer."