This latest finding by a Queen's University research team has dispelled the popular belief that sticking to natural foods can be beneficial for health. However, the scientists said that eating a balanced diet with garlic can significantly cut down the growth of these carcinogens.
Led by Dr. Poh-Gek Forkert of Queen's Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology the findings are published in Thursday's an on-line journal, Carcinogenesis. The researchers are working on the effects of treatment with vinyl carbamate in mice.
Vinyl carbamate, a by-product of fermentation found in alcoholic beverages, and fermented foods like cheese, yogurt and bread is derived from ethyl carbamate (urethane). The compound is also present naturally in tobacco.
Additionally, urethane is also labeled as a potential human carcinogen by both the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Experts have warned people not to be apprehensive about consuming these foods and beverages as low levels of consumption don't pose a risk.
"It might be prudent, however, to have a varied diet and to limit drinking certain alcoholic beverages," says Dr. Forkert said giving importance to the presence of garlic in the food.
