The development of cancer is usually a relatively slow process which requires a substantial proportion of the lifetime of an individual. The cancers of childhood which often affect growing tissues such as the brain or bones are important exceptions to this rule as these diseases are often associated with the presence of mutations (defective genes) inherited from one or both parents. Inherited mutations are also known to be important in the development of cancers of later life but, generally speaking, tumour cells are found to contain a large number of mutations which have been acquired during life. These so-called somatic mutations occur because of exposure to environmental chemicals which damage the body's blueprint for life, DNA. Molecules which damage DNA can be generated by the body itself.

For example, molecules containing oxygen often briefly acquire a special chemical structure enabling them to interact strongly with DNA. These 'free radicals' are generated during normal respiration. Antioxidant substances, in their unique natural location and natural combination with other nutrients, contained in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, Indian spices, scavenge free radicals and protect cells from excessive DNA damage. They prevent the blue print of the body from being damaged It has also been also documented that Indian unadulterated pure spices, fruits and vegetables inhibit the enzymes which are integral to procarcinogen(pre-cancer) metabolism.