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Hello there, 

When you think of health-supporting food, Ireland might not be the first place that comes to mind. But in a recent opinion piece in The Irish Times, Dr. William Li reveals why traditional Irish staples—from carrots and cabbage to black tea and strawberries—may quietly support our health in powerful ways.

This week, we’re exploring how everyday foods in the Irish diet tap into the body’s natural defense systems—including angiogenesis, the process of growing new blood vessels that supports repair, metabolism, and regeneration.

Food as Medicine, the Irish Way

In an article co-authored with Dr. Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Taighde Éireann/Research Ireland, Ireland’s national agency for research and innovation, Dr. William Li, President and Medical Director of the Angiogenesis Foundation, explores how many Irish-grown ingredients are more than just comfort food. They are naturally rich in bioactive compounds that help the body repair, protect, and renew itself.

Here are just a few of the traditional foods he discusses—and how they may support your body’s health through mechanisms like angiogenesis:

• Strawberries contain ellagic acid, which may help "starve" cancer by cutting off its blood supply. Clinical studies also suggest they may support memory and reduce depression.

• Black tea, a daily staple in many Irish households, contains polyphenols that can support blood flow, protect DNA, and even mobilize stem cells—essential for tissue blood vessel repair.

• Cabbage, especially when pickled, not only lowers inflammation but also supports gut health and may lower cancer risk.

• Apples contain chlorogenic acid and ursolic acid—natural compounds that may enhance fat metabolism, activate stem cells, and support the body’s regenerative abilities.

• Carrots are rich in carotenoids, which protect eye and vascular health. Clinical studies suggest they may help lower cholesterol and support DNA repair—both important for maintaining blood vessel integrity.

• Oats are packed with beta-D-glucan and avenanthramide, which help lower inflammation and support gut health—factors that influence balanced angiogenesis.

• Oysters are rich in omega-3 fats and taurine, two nutrients that help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and protect blood vessels from oxidative damage.

• Beer hops contain xanthohumol, a plant compound thought to have cancer-starving effects by cutting off the blood supply tumors need to grow. The potential benefits come from the hops—not the alcohol—and would require high amounts to have an effect.

Tradition Meets Science

This article reminds us that you don’t need to look far for health-promoting foods. The most powerful ingredients might already be in your kitchen—or part of your cultural heritage.

And that’s a key part of Dr. Li’s work: connecting modern science with the foods and traditions that have nourished people for generations.

Want to read the full article?

Dr. Li’s piece in The Irish Times is available below

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Best wishes,
- The Angiogenesis Foundation