Levels of salicylic acid, an active component of Aspirin, are higher in vegetarians. (Scientific update: a review of recent scientific papers related to vegetarianism).Regular use of aspirin by adults appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer colon cancer, cancer of any part of the colon (often called the large intestine). Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. and may also reduce the risk of lung cancer lung cancer, cancer that originates in the tissues of the lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. Like other cancers, lung cancer occurs after repeated insults to the genetic material of the cell. , breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. . One component of aspirin that appears to have a great effect on health is salicylic acid salicylic acid or 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, C6H4(OH)CO2H, a colorless, crystalline organic carboxylic acid that melts at 159°C;; it is soluble in ethanol and ether but is only slightly soluble in water. . Salicylic acid is also found in fruits and vegetables, especially in herbs and spices. Researchers in Scotland hypothesized that vegetarians would have higher levels of salicylic acid in their blood than non-vegetarians because vegetarians typically eat more fruits and vegetables. Blood was sampled from 37 vegetarians and 39 non-vegetarians, none of whom was taking aspirin or other drugs containing salicylic acid. Blood was also sampled from 14 people who took aspirin regularly. There was great variability in blood salicylic acid levels. Higher concentrations were found in the vegetarians compared to the non-vegetarians, with the highest levels seen in those taking aspirin. Some vegetarians had levels as high as the aspirin users. The salicylic acid levels in fruits and vegetables may help to explain why diets that are high in fruits and vegetables are associated with reduced risk of heart disease and colon cancer. Blacklock CJ, Lawrence JR, Wiles wile n. 1. A stratagem or trick intended to deceive or ensnare. 2. A disarming or seductive manner, device, or procedure: the wiles of a skilled negotiator. 3. Trickery; cunning. D, et al. 2001. Salicylic acid in the serum of subjects not taking aspirin. Comparison of salicylic acid concentrations in the serum of vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and patients taking low dose aspirin. J Clin Pathol 54:553-555. |
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