Apoptosis: Friend or Foe at Year End Festive Meals?
Planning gatherings at fun-filled and frenzied holiday meals? Take note from today’s blog about the impacts of the food we’ll eat on our health you might not have thought of before. Read on to learn what Dr. Moondust (Also known as Dr. Chanda Siddoo-Atwal), cancer biologist and founder of Moondust Cosmetics® has to say in this introductory post about the links between food, apoptosis and cancer.
Before the feasting news, let’s clarify apoptosis
What is apoptosis and why is it important?
Apoptosis (falling leaves in Greek) is a natural process in metazoans for removing single damaged and deleterious mutated cells via a form of regulated cell death. A classic example of this is people who suffer from sunburn followed by peeling of their dead skin cells after a day at the beach. However, when apoptosis becomes overstimulated and out of control in the case of sunburn (or due to other environmental factors), it can become a key trigger for cancer.
What is resveratrol?
You’ve likely heard of resveratrol spoken of as one of the many superfoods people find so enticing, especially its connection to the flow of wine enjoyed at celebrations
Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenol derived from grape skin, is of particular interest because it can function in cancer chemoprevention and has anti-cancer properties.
What has been learned about its connection to cancer?
In mice, resveratrol is a compound which has already been shown to display certain selective apoptotic properties inducing programmed cell death in pre-cancer and cancer cells in a mouse skin carcinogenesis model.
In humans, in some cases, this natural plant product appears to be able to successfully target apoptotic pathways selectively in human tumour cells while having little or no effect on normal cells. Some experimental evidence also suggests that resveratrol may be particularly well suited for the treatment of skin damage and skin cancer that conforms to an apoptotic model of carcinogenesis.
More suggestions follow to support the beneficial apoptosis, but first a dive into our delicious human diet choices!
Foods That Promote Health and Apoptosis

The much anticipated festive meals menu can consider specific foods that satisfy your taste buds but also promote health. Dr. Siddoo-Atwal, in her insightful book Apoptosis: A Key Trigger Mechanism for Cancer, highlights the significance of apoptosis—or programmed cell death—in maintaining our bodies’ health. It raises the question: Can the foods we love this season actually trigger cancer cell death?
Certain foods are believed to support apoptosis in cancerous cells due to their phytochemicals and antioxidants. Here are some holiday favorites to keep in mind:
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound that may help induce apoptosis in cancer cells. These vegetables can easily be incorporated into festive sides or main dishes.
- Berries: Blueberries, cranberries, and other vibrant fruits are packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance immune function and may promote a healthy cell cycle. Consider them as toppings for desserts or incorporated into holiday drinks.
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has been shown to trigger apoptotic pathways in several types of cancer cells. A pinch of this golden spice can transform soups, stews, or teas into healing holiday treats.*
- Dark Chocolate: In moderation, dark chocolate offers a decadent way to incorporate flavonoids, compounds shown to support apoptosis in certain cancer cells. Whether used in desserts or as a snack, it’s a treat with benefits.
*Special note from Dr. Moondust on turmeric: Turmeric powder from Asia is often adulterated with lead chromate, a very dangerous chemical, to enhance its colour. Therefore, it is best to use turmeric in its pure root form just like ginger because lead chromate consumption can cause various disorders like kidney & brain damage.
The Role of Apoptosis in Health: A Review

The ability of our bodies to efficiently carry out apoptosis is essential for various reasons:
- Cancer Prevention: Cancer cells often develop mutations that allow them to evade the apoptosis process. By studying apoptosis, researchers like Dr. Chanda Siddoo-Atwal (Also known as Dr. Moondust) aim to develop treatments that can restore this natural cell death mechanism, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.
- Immune Function: Apoptosis helps regulate our immune system, ensuring that it can effectively combat infections without overwhelming the body with excessive inflammation.
- Tissue Homeostasis: Our bodies are in a constant state of renewal. Apoptosis ensures that old or damaged cells are cleared away, making space for healthy ones. This is especially important for tissues that undergo frequent cell turnover, like skin and the lining of our intestines.
How Can We Support Apoptosis?
Lifestyle factors can support its efficiency:
- Nutrition: A diet rich in antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables, may help combat oxidative stress, which can impair apoptosis and promote cancer cell survival. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, are also known to support healthy cell function.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance the body’s ability to regulate apoptosis. Exercise promotes circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues, which can improve overall cellular health.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can imbalance the body’s regulatory processes, including apoptosis. Mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation can help manage stress levels.
- Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for the body’s repair processes. Sleep deprivation can impair immune function and disrupt the natural mechanisms of cell death.
And significant in Dr. Moondust’s work… Environmental Factors: Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins—such as pollutants, chemicals, and heavy metals—can support healthy apoptosis. Creating a clean living space, choosing natural products, and advocating for a healthier environment can significantly impact your overall wellness. A New Approach to Cancer Risk Assessment: An Overview (available in our store)
Life Giving Joy of Self-Care during the Holidays
A post from Dr. Moondust would not be complete without the gentle nudge at even the busiest times on self-care. She advises to set aside time amid planning parties and preparing dishes for loved ones, to focus on your well-being. Create goals that encourage you to nurture your body and mind. Whether indulging in wholesome holiday treats or engaging in stress-relieving activities like yoga or meditation, embracing self-care will help you enjoy the season more fully.
Close the Year with Intention

The calendar year end, is a great time to take stock of our lives and make changes that can benefit our health. Just as we celebrate the year’s accomplishments, we can also recognize the importance of cellular endings. The concept of apoptosis reminds us of the natural cycles in our bodies and also encourages us to foster habits that ensure our cells can thrive.
From the entire Moondust Cosmetics team, we wish you all that we hope for in our blogs and social media posts on nurturing healthy environments—both internally and externally—on the website, moondustcosmetics.com
Here’s to you and Happy Holiday and strong start to the New Year.
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