A new and interesting cancer fighter is known as modified citrus pectin (MCP) – a soluble component of plant fibre derived from the peel and pulp of citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines. Ordinary pectin is a complex carbohydrate found in most plants. Ordinary pectin is not absorbed into the bloodstream because of its long molecular chain. Modified citrus pectin is a carbohydrate which can be broken down to a shorter molecular chain and hence enter the blood steam.
MCP may work by preventing cancer cells from metastasising, which occurs when malignant cells spread throughout the body, first detaching themselves from the original tumour and, like seeds blown on the wind, travelling through the bloodstream until they find another site on which to tough down and begin dividing and multiplying.
Metastasis is the gravest danger a cancer patient can face. If a tumour were simply to stay where it originated, it might cause some local damage but it could be removed surgically with few, if any, complications. Studies suggest that MCP may work like special bait that attracts migrating cancer cells and renders them harmless. It is thought to help reduce metastasis in melanoma patients.
It appears that MCP attracts cancer cells and binds with them before they get a chance to fasten themselves to healthy cells. Cancer cells contain a substance called galactin. Galactin looks for its counterpart, galactose which is found in many cells. MCP is particularly high in galactose and thus it can attract cancer cells, bind to them and then render them harmless. Cancer cells don’t appear to ‘care’ whether they are binding to MCP or a human cell, because they are simply ‘hungry’ and on the hunt for galactose.
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