Foods That Fight Cancer

Foods That Fight Cancer

Diseases: Foods That Fight Cancer

The Top Foods That Fight Cancer

Most people today do not realize that one of the easiest and most effective ways to promote good health and to help protect against cancer is by watching what you eat. The American Cancer society estimates that one third of all American cancer deaths are diet-related.

The foods on this list, are also supported by the Cancer Cure Foundation, and have the ability to stave off cancer. Some can even help inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size if eaten regularly. This list is not complete, as there are other anti-cancer foods, but I am featuring the "All-Stars".

Vegetables

Broccoli, Cabbage & Cauliflower

All of these vegetables have a chemical component called indole-3 carbinol that can fight 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, which helps 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. However, be aware that it appears that the more bitter/younger heads of broccoli the more glucoraphanin it has, and they have as much as 20 times more than mature heads of broccoli.

Cancer Benefits Of Carrots

Carrots

Most of us know that Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene and help our eye sight, but many of us may not know that they help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast.

Kale

This Super-Food has indoles, or nitrogen compounds which help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.

Mushrooms

Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi, Agaricus Blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor help the body fight cancer and build the immune system. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, (especially Lentinan) that are powerful compounds that help build immunity. They have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain Thioproline which has been shown to increase life span and improve neurological functions. These mushrooms can stimulate the production of interferon which play an important role in the defense against viral infections.

Seaweed

Sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones, important fatty acids that help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine. (One needs iodine for optimal thyroid function and is an essential element that enables the thyroid gland, the "master gland of metabolism".

Cancer Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes

These veggies contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which protects the DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane. They help prevent breast, gallbladder, kidney, leukemia, liver & lung cancers.

Fruits

Avocados

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body and prevents Oral and breast cancers. They also supply more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage. Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids than those who didn't include avocados.

Cancer Benefits Of Chilli Peppers & Jalapenos

Chili Peppers & Jalapenos

These contain a chemical called Capsaicin, which neutralizes certain cancer-causing substances called nitrosamines and help prevent cancers such as stomach & prostate cancer. Capsaicin not only causes the tongue to burn, it also drives prostate cancer cells to kill themselves!

These are an antioxidant powerhouse, and studies found that eating just two medium dried figs caused a significant increase in antioxidant activity in the body.

Grapefruits

Much like oranges and other citrus fruits, grapefruits contain monoterpenes which increase the levels of liver enzymes involved in detoxifying carcinogens. Monoterpenes help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Also, some studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.

Cancer Benefits Of Grapes

Red grapes contain 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, which appears to help slow the growth of tumors.

Lemons & Oranges

These fruits contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells (lymphocytes) that also break down cancer-causing substances.

These have 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

These berries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that protect against cancer. Research reported shows black raspberries may also thwart colon cancer, and because they are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.

Cancer Benefits Of Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant like vitamin C, that attacks free radicals, that are trigger cancer. It appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes produce. Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances, but in lesser quantities, and it is concentrated by cooking the tomatoes. Scientists have shown that lycopene can kill mouth cancer cells. An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer.

Grains, Seeds & Nuts

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

This seed contains lignans, which have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which protect against colon cancer and heart disease.

These proteins contain the antioxidants quercetin and kaempferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. The Brazil Nut contains 80 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer.

Herbs & Spices

Cancer Benefits Of Garlic

This spice has immune-enhancing compounds, that 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. People who consume raw or cooked garlic regularly, face about half the risk of stomach cancer, and two-thirds the risk of colorectal cancer. It is believed that garlic helps prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there.

This spice helps increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, called carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors.

Beverages

Even without alcohol, Red Wine has polyphenols that protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals. Also, researchers found the compound resveratrol, which is found in grape skins. It appears that resveratrol inhibits cancer cell growth and can help prevent cancer altogether. However, the findings didn’t extend to heavy drinking, so wine should be used in moderation. Alcohol can be toxic to the liver and to the nervous system, and many wines have sulfites, which may be harmful to your health. Research indicates that alcohol is considered a carcinogen, you can switch to non-alcoholic wines.

Cancer Benefits Of Soy Products

Soy milk and tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens that 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.

Green & Black Tea

These liquids contain 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 (herbal teas do not show this benefit). 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.

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Original article and pictures take thescienceofeating.com site