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Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Antioxidants may actually cause cancer, says Nobel laureate

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Renowned geneticist James Watson, who was among the group of researchers who received the 1962 Nobel Prize for discovering the structure of DNA, has recently published an article in Open Biology, an online journal published by The Royal Society, suggesting that antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are ineffective as cancer fighters, and may in fact be causing certain types of cancer.

"In light of the recent data strongly hinting that much of late-stage cancer's untreatability may arise from its possession of too many antioxidants," he writes, "the time has come to seriously ask whether antioxidant use much more likely causes than prevents cancer."

Antioxidants such as Beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium have long been thought to reduce the risk of cancer. But, Watson argues that nutrition intervention trials "have shown no obvious effectiveness in preventing gastrointestinal cancer nor in lengthening mortality. In fact, they seem to slightly shorten the lives of those who take them."

He goes on to predict that "future data may, in fact, show that antioxidant use, particularly that of vitamin E, leads to a small number of cancers that would not have come into existence but for antioxidant supplementation. Blueberries best be eaten because they taste good, not because their consumption will lead to less cancer." BF

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June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online

Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online

HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer

Thursday, July 17, 2025

HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online

Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start

Monday, July 14, 2025

Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online

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