Study: Rats, Cheese, and Cancer
By
Natalie Moore
Posted July 16, 2016
- Was Pizza Rat on to something?
- Scientists reveal a naturally occurring preservative could change the fight against cancer. Find out more…
- Add this cancer-crushing and bug-busting food to your grocery list today!
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Remember Pizza Rat?
You know… the adorable rat that dragged a slice of pizza through the subway.
Source: Nationalreport.net
Well, if that pizza had extra cheese on it, Pizza Rat may have been getting more than a free lunch.
You see, according to research from the University of Michigan, nisin — a naturally occurring preservative in cheese and other milk products — is clobbering cancer and drug-resistant bacteria.
We’ll talk about its antibacterial properties in just a bit.
First, let’s talk about cancer…
More Cheese, Please
The study found that nisin can slow down or stop the growth of head and neck cancer cells. The researchers fed “nisin milkshakes” to rats afflicted with neck and head tumors.
And after just nine weeks, the scientists found that 70–80 percent of the tumors died!
Since oral cancers take the lives of millions every year, this research has the potential to save many. Moreover, oral cancer survival rates haven’t improved in decades, which makes this treatment possibly even more significant.
Dr. Yvonne Kapila, DDS, Ph.D., professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, had this to say about the findings:
The poor five-year survival rates for oral cancer underscore the need to find new therapies for oral cancer. The use of small antibacterial agents, like nisin, to treat cancer is a new approach that holds great promise. Nisin is a perfect example of this potential because it has been used safely in humans for many years, and now the laboratory studies support its anti-tumor potential.
Per the research, nisin is a nontoxic, tasteless, and colorless powder found in small doses in dairy foods. However, the dose given to the rats in the study was about 22 times the amount found in food sources.
But don’t worry, there is still a lot of power in just a slice of cheese.
Squash Superbugs With a Slice of Swiss
You see, nisin is also a powerful antibacterial agent. It can kill off drug-resistant bacteria or superbugs in smaller doses, according to a 1999 study in Science. In addition, Kapila and her team are also testing nisin’s antibacterial powers in her lab.
She reports, “To date, nobody has found bacteria from humans or living animals that is resistant to nisin.” There are two reasons for this…
Nisin binds to the bacteria and keeps them from mutating into superbugs. And nisin kills biofilms. These colonies of bacteria can join forces against antibiotics and make them useless.
While more research needs to be done on both cancer and superbug treatment, it looks like nisin is off to a promising start. In the meantime, you might want to pick up some cheese this weekend.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
[1] Common food preservative may slow, even stop tumor growth
[2] Food preservative kills cancer cells, superbugs
[3] Food Preservative or Powerful Antibiotic? Nisin Z Could Be Both
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk
Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...
Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure
Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...
The Surprising Link Between Jaw Tension and Anxiety
Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call? Well, it might tell you something important about what’s happening “upstairs.” Turns out, that jaw tension isn’t just annoying—it’s a direct hotline to your anxiety levels. And most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. I’ve...
Could Poor Sleep Be Hurting Your Brain?
If you’ve ever woken up groggy, unable to shake the brain fog, or struggling to focus, it might be more than just a bad night’s sleep. Sleep apnea—a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep—affects nearly 936 million people globally. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. New research shows...
Mailbag: Inflammation-Fighting Protocol Clears Clogged Arteries
“I’m 70 years young and I would like to know if there is a natural treatment for clean arteries to prevent heart attack and cardiac problems. Thanks for your reply!” -Change of Heart Dear Change, I love how proactive you’re being about your heart health! Nature offers powerful solutions for keeping arteries clear and healthy....
Why Your Tech Troubles Might SAVE Your Brain
Ever feel like your smartphone is too smart for you? Or maybe you’ve struggled to figure out that new streaming device your kids gave you? Well, take heart. Those technology headaches are saving your brain cells. A groundbreaking new study suggests that spending hours figuring out your gadgets could be your best defense against cognitive...
Study Reveals the Dark Side of Sleep Meds
I’m sure you know by now that quality sleep is crucial for good health. Poor sleep, on the other hand, is linked to all kinds of health hazards, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. It’s the primary reason people opt to take sleep medications. But what if the pills you’re taking to...
Ancient Food Eases Modern Digestive Woes
If you turn up your nose at the pungent aroma of sauerkraut, you might want to reconsider. Because that tangy, fermented cabbage could be exactly what your gut needs to fight off inflammation and heal digestive issues. Research reveals that this humble food, enjoyed for centuries across the world, contains potent compounds that could shield...
One-Third of Dementia Cases Linked to This Treatable Condition
Dementia is on the rise—and the number of cases is expected to double by 2060. Most people focus on common risk factors like diet, exercise, or genetics. But one of the biggest threats to your brain health is something most of us take for granted… Until it starts to fade away. Worse yet, research shows...
Medications That Don't Mix Well with Coffee
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily Reader (and I certainly hope you are), I probably don’t need to tell you I’m a coffee fan. I regularly share information on coffee’s many health benefits—from boosting metabolism to reducing disease risk. But many don’t realize that cup of Joe can interact with common medications, sometimes reducing...