Bowel cancer is among the deadliest ailments today, which is affecting more youngsters than before. And so, a major NHS trial is looking for miraculous ingredients with tests in the hopes it could hold the key to preventing bowel cancer.

Research suggests that the powerful chemical compound – known as resveratrol could prevent the appearance of growths in the bowel that eventually turn into cancer and starve cancerous cells of energy.

Resveratrol supplements are already sold online and in pharmacies.

According to experts, NHS scientists are now looking to see if a concentrated version of the compound could be dished out in pill form to reduce people's risk of disease. The trial, announced last month, is set to recruit more than a thousand people – aged between 50-73 years who, in screening have shown bowel polyps - raising their risk of cancer.

Also known as colorectal cancer, bowel cancer starts in the large intestine, or bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. It can develop from small growths called polyps, which are usually harmless but can sometimes turn into cancer.

According to experts, resveratrol is a natural compound found in many plants, including grapes, apples, blueberries, plums, and peanuts – and is a polyphenol known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is described as “as close to a miraculous molecule as you can find.”

Also touted for its protective effects against type 2 diabetes along with anti-ageing benefits, resveratrol works great against bowel cancer. But that is not what you should look for when you buy foods to prevent this cancer. A diet full of unhealthy junk, processed foods, and alcohol can cause bowel cancer, which is a byproduct of obesity and being overweight.

According to studies, regularly eating foods rich in polyphenols boosts your health due to the compounds' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A polyphenol-rich diet can help, which includes foods like:

Red grapes are a powerhouse of resveratrol. However, according to experts, to derive just 5mg of the compound from grapes, you would need to eat up to seven and a half punnets every day.

Made with grapes, red wine contains particularly high levels of resveratrol, more so than white wine or rosé. But once again, guzzling it up is not recommended by doctors, as drinking the amount of wine needed to do that would render you an alcoholic - and could up your cancer risk.

Blueberries contain moderate amounts of resveratrol, along with other antioxidants and vitamins. Studies have linked the consumption of these berries to improved heart health and enhanced brain function as well.

Peanuts are one of the healthiest foods that are rich in resveratrol, along with protein, which helps to keep you healthy and fit.

Dark chocolate is loaded with a good dose of resveratrol - along with other antioxidants. The concentration, however, will vary depending on the cocoa content. Studies say those people who eat three squares of a bar five times per week are around 21 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

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