Cancer Fighting Foods

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases of our times…

Even though with today’s advanced medical treatments some cancers can be cured; there is still taboo attached to cancer word; cancer means death is near…

The good news is some foods are proven to be cancer fighters or can help prevent cancer. These are called anticancer foods.

As the saying goes… prevention is better than cure; it’s better to boost your immunity with these anticancer foods in first place…

Some well known cancer fighting foods are:

Tomatoes:

It is loaded with vitamin C; also tomatoes are one of the richest sources of the flavenoid lycopene (which gives them their red color) In various studies it has shown to work, against cancers of the lungs, cervix, prostate and mouth. important health benefits it conveys.

Avocados:

It is rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. Avocados also supply potassium more than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower:

These have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety.

Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals.  However, following various plant studies it appears that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has.

Carrots:

It contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast.

Some research indicated beta carotene may actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large quantities - 2 to 3 kilos a day, can cause cancer. 

In fact, a substance called falcarinol that is found in carrots has been found to reduce the risk of cancer, according to researchers at Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS). Kirsten Brandt, head of the research department, explained that isolated cancer cells grow more slowly when exposed to falcarinol. This substance is a polyacethylen, however, so it is important not to cook the carrots.

Chili peppers and jalapenos:

These contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.

Figs:

They have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been reported that benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture figs, which contain vitamins A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.

Flaxseeds:

 These contain lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease.

Garlic:

It has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances.

These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.

 It is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there.

Onions & Leeks:

According to the National Institutes of Health, studies of people from Southern Europe who eat a diet high in garlic and onions show a direct relationship between high consumption of "allium" vegetables (all types of garlic, onions, and leeks) and reduced risk of many common cancers.

Grapefruits and oranges:

These contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. They also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid.

Red grapes:

It contains bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response.

They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells thus help slow the growth of tumors.

Green and yellow leafy vegetables:

Studies show that consumption of green and yellow leafy vegetables has been associated with lower levels of stomach cancer.

Kale:

It has compound called indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues.

In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.

Licorice root:

It has a chemical, glycyrrhizin that blocks a component of testosterone and therefore may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer. However, excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.

Mushrooms:

There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system. These include Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor. 

These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially  Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are a source of Beta Glucan. They also have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain Thioproline. These mushrooms can stimulate the production of interferon in the body. Thus help blocking cancer cells.

Papaya:

It has vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.

Raspberries:

They contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer. Research reported in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in May 2002 shows black raspberries may also thwart colon cancer. Black raspberries are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.

Red wine:

It has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals. 

It appears that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and can help prevent cancer. However, alcohol can be  toxic to the liver and to the nervous system, and many wines have sulfites, which may be harmful to your health. Note:  some research indicates that alcohol is considered a class "A" carcinogen which can actually cause cancer.

Rosemary:

It may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals.

Seaweed and other sea vegetables:

These contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones which is a important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

Soy products like tofu:

These contain several types of phytoestrogens which is weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth and spread of cancerous cells. It appears to lower breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells and new blood vessels that tumors require to flourish and is being scrutinized as a potential anti-cancer drug.

Some precautions to consider when adding soy to your diet as excessive consumption of soya products and extract may lead to hormonal imbalance.

Sweet potatoes:

It has anticancer compund, including beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.

Green Tea:

It contains certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea

Dry green tea leaves, which are about 40% polyphenols by weight, may also reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas, study findings have suggested.

One of the first plant-based chemicals to be studied for its anti-cancer properties, catechins, the chemicals in green tea  has been known for some time to prevent and reduce recurrence of breast and other cancers. Just two cups a day is enough to do the trick.

Spinach:
Spinach is consider to be the "gold standard" of green leafy vegetables.Packed with lutein and vitamin E, both powerful antioxidants, spinach helps ward off cancer of the liver, ovaries, colon, and prostate.

Spinach is also a rich source of vitamin C, beta-carotene both are potent antioxidants. It also has folic acid. In several studies (University of Minnesota, Environmental Health Services, and others), it has been found that people who include two or more servings of spinach per week in their nutrition have considerably lower lung and breast cancer rates.

Pineapple:
Pineapple is a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C. In addition; it contains the enzyme bromelain,which may protect against breast and lung cancer.

Apple:In addition to their antioxidant benefits, apples contain the plant chemical quercetin, which has been shown to reduce lung cancer risk and slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Turmeric:

Turmeric has an active ingredient, curcumin, which is  powerful antioxidant and has cancer fighting properties.Turmeric is also most powerful natural anti-inflammatory identified today. In the laboratory studies it enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces tumour growth.

Researchers at Ohio State University in Columbus reviewed numerous animal studies and concluded that curcumin demonstrated anti-cancer effects at virtually all stages of tumor development. Researchers in France and Britain also support above findings

Whole Wheat:

 In a recent study at the University of Iowa, scientist found that the more whole grain there is in a woman's diet, the lower her risk of breast cancer, as well as heart disease.

In this study, as well as an analysis of 40 other studies on 20 kinds of cancer, investigators established that consumers of whole wheat products (bread, pasta, cereals) have a 33% lower risk of these diseases than those who do not eat whole wheat products.

Strawberries:

In a study tracking the diet and health of 1.271 people, researchers at the Harvard School of Health found that people who love strawberries have a 70% lower incidence of cancer.

The same holds true for all other colorful and deeply colored berries, such as cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, red and purple grapes, and so forth.

Beans:

Much recent research in the food sciences has established that all kinds of beans are loaded with protease inhibitors, compounds that make it hard for cancer cells to invade adjacent tissue.

Fava beans contain much herein, which has shown to block carcinogens in the digestive tract. And soy beans are especially rich in isoflavones, which appears to reduce the risk of breast cancer by blocking the tumor-growing influence of estrogen.

 Lentils also belong to the bean family, and are one of the tastiest, most versatile, and easiest to prepare beans.

The best anti-cancer diet is rich in varieties of brightly colored fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with more emphasis on the foods highlighted above.