Cancer Fighting Foods: Herbs to Fight Cancer

It is very important that everyone eats a healthy and balanced diet. There’s no need to groan, it’s true! Even if you are in perfect health, eating a well balanced diet will be beneficial to you.

If you suffer from cancer than it is even more important for you to make sure you’re getting the required daily intake of the important vitamins and minerals. There are actually certain foods that are thought to fight against cancer. Some foods have been proven to effectively shrink the size of cancerous tumors and give your immune system a much needed boost.

Nutrition to Fight Cancer : Eat to Fight Cancer

Amygdalin is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in apricots, peaches, cherries and most berries.

This is one of the most talked about cancer fighting chemicals, it is found in well over 1200 foods, all of which are natural. Berries also contain substances that are known to slow down the growth of tumors and also prevent further cancerous development. Seeds of non citrus fruits contain the most amygdalin.

Strawberries are what I like to call super berries! They contain all of the cancer fighting substances that the other ‘regular’ berries contain, but these super berries also contain vitamin C. If I could draw I’d draw a strawberry wearing a cape, but fortunately for you I can’t.

Rich in beta-carotene, apricots have antioxidant qualities that reduce the risk of cancer to some extent. The health benefits of apricots include building up of energy and iron resources in the body, anemia, cancer, skin diseases, fevers, earache, indigestion and constipation.

Anyway back on topic, vitamin C is known to boost the body’s defenses by improving the immune system. It is also a known powerful anti-oxidant. It is thought that vitamin C can prevent any further spread of cancer. Foods other than strawberries high in vitamin c include:

Papaya
Raw Red bell peppers
Broccoli (Don’t boil it, steam if possible)
Brussel sprouts (See your mum wasn’t lying when she said they were good for you!)
Oranges
Kiwi Fruits
Cauliflower

Broccoli has high levels of vitamin C, and it is also rich in beta carotene. This beta carotene is known to improve your body’s immune system, and it has also been suggested that it will slow down tumor growth.

90% of cancers develop from epithelial tissue, beta carotene is very useful at treating these forms of cancer. Many green and yellow fruit and vegetables contain beta carotene.

Olive leaves are a fairly new weapon in the fight against cancer. This is thought to contain a photochemical that is actually capable of killing off cancer cells. Olive leaves aren’t particularly tasty however they can be combined secretly in some dishes.

There are loads of different foods that can help you fight against cancer, you should eat as many of these super foods as possible.

Foods That Cure Cancer

For decades now, research for cancer treatment has focused on medicines. Doctors and medical scientists continue to look for viable and permanent answers to treat cancer. The cost for treatment of cancer is prohibitive, and despite the best medical efforts, every year, hundreds of people fall prey to various types of cancer. While many of us can afford this treatment, we also wonder what we can do to reduce the risk of cancer and fight it with less expensive means. Recent studies prove that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can fight and cure cancer. In some cases, cancer fighting foods may prevent the growth of malignant tumors and help to combat existing conditions.

Experts believe that cancer fighting foods are an easy and inexpensive way to reduce the risk of cancer in children and adults. Moreover, these cancer fighting foods are freely available to us year round. We have to make the choice to include these cancer fighting foods in our daily diet to reap their enormous benefits. So, what are the best cancer fighting foods available to us? Medical experts prefer a plant-based diet to animal-based proteins, which are higher in fat content. A plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and peas may consist of the best foods to fight cancer. Let us not forget the important role that herbs and spices play in warding off the threat of cancer. However, no single food or food group can cure cancer. It is essential that you follow a varied diet consisting of different types of plant foods. The natural vitamins and antioxidants found in these foods that cure cancer is highly recommended by doctors and dieticians alike.

Antioxidants in cancer fighting foods and drinks slow down and reverse the damage caused by free radicals and the process of oxidation that may spell cancerous growths. Certain antioxidants may block or suppress the absorption of chemicals causing cancer cells. In other cases, certain foods may help individuals to stop the multiplication of cancer or tumor cells. Antioxidant foods to cure cancer include fruits and vegetables as well as nuts, whole grains, sea vegetables, and seafood. While experts continue to study the link between antioxidants and cancer, a diet rich in cancer fighting foods and vitamins may also reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cholesterol. These in turn, may reduce the risk factors of various types of cancer.

Diet to fight and cure cancer. Here is a list of some of the cancer fighting foods you must include in your diet to reduce the risk of cancer.

Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain cancer fighting antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. Cancer fighting foods and recipes may include carrots to the list. Cooked or uncooked, the beta-carotene in carrots proves a powerful agent in the fight against cancer. Individuals on a vegetarian diet may benefit from a variety of mushrooms, especially shiitake mushrooms. Most varieties of mushrooms contain chemical compounds and protein called lectin. These may help to stop the multiplication of cancerous cells and reduce the risk of tumors.

Seaweed and other sea vegetables are an excellent source of cancer fighting foods and vitamins. Additionally, they also provide essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and iodine. For years, the general public stayed away from avocados due to its high fat and calorific content. However, recent studies show that one serving of avocados may provide a day’s worth of antioxidants essential for the body. Glutathione, the powerful antioxidant in avocados attacks the damage causing free radicals in the body. It may also block the absorption of certain cancer causing fats by the intestines. If you enjoy hot and spicy food, here’s another reason to add chilli peppers to the dish. Hot chilli peppers such as Serrano, jalapenos and pasilla peppers contain a chemical component called capasaicin. Lycopene in tomatoes, watermelons, carrots and red peppers has proved effective in reducing the risk of mouth cancers. Recent studies indicate that lycopene may also help to fight breast, prostate, pancreatic and colon cancer.

Cancer fighting foods include almonds, walnuts, pecans, and so on. Recipes calling for nuts in salads, desserts and many Mediterranean main courses may help reduce the risk of cancer. You may use nuts as garnish or to add texture to your foods. However, many individuals suffer from nut allergies, which maybe mild or fatal. It is best to avoid foods with nuts if you notice any discomfort after consumption. Other signs of a nut allergy may include hives, skin rashes, indigestion, nausea and vomiting.

Fruits: Figs contain chemical components that attack and destroy bacteria. Some of these properties may also help reduce the risk of cancer and fight cancer cells. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, blood oranges, and grapefruits may prevent cancer by eliminating the carcinogens in the body. The folic acid in papaya may help to prevent conditions that lead to cervical cancer, a growing problem amongst women. Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and so on are also excellent sources of antioxidants, which fight cancer cells. Darker berries such as black raspberries contain more concentrated amount of antioxidants.

Herbs and spices: Apart from vegetables and fruits, herbs and spices may also provide us with the required amount of antioxidants to combat cancer. Ginger and garlic used as condiments to spice foods make an excellent source of immunity boosting antioxidants. Onions, leek, chives, and so on not only aid digestion but may also prevent the occurrence of stomach or colon cancers. Rosemary used commonly in Italian cuisine and to spice herbal teas may help reduce the risk of skin and breast tumors. Turmeric and turmeric root, used as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent in traditional medicine may also reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases as well as cancer of the stomach and intestines.

Drinks: Consumed in moderation, red wine and tea, especially green tea, are significant sources of antioxidants that may reduce the risk of various types of cancer. Green tea leaves high levels of antioxidants and may rank top in the list of foods that fight lung cancer. Red wine, despite its alcohol content, contains essential polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) that help to repair the damage caused by free radicals.

Soy: Soy products such as soymilk and tofu also contain abundant amounts of antioxidants called phytoestrogens. For individuals on a vegan diet, soy products may provide the necessary amount of proteins to their diet. However, consuming a moderate diet of soy products is essential. Excess amounts of this food may stimulate the growth of cancer cells causing more harm than help.

While there is a great emphasis on the right kind of diet and cancer fighting foods, certain other lifestyle changes may also help you increase your life expectancy, while reducing the risk of cancer. Smoking and alcohol generate carcinogens in the body that may give rise to cancer. If you do trace a family history of cancer or tumor, a regular check-up, followed by a well balanced diet and exercise may improve your chances of fighting the dreaded disease.

What Foods To Avoid With Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer where the cancer cells are present in the colon. Studies seem to suggest that certain dietary influences play a role in the development of colon cancer. If you are suffering from colon cancer, there are certain colon cancer foods to avoid. These colon cancer foods to avoid include beef (red meat) as it is high in saturated fat. Hot, dogs, pork, white bread, are also in the list of colon cancer foods to avoid. Colon cancer safe foods are those foods which are lower in fat (such as chicken and fish), as well as whole wheat bread and whole grains.

What Food Supplement Is Good For Prostate Cancer?

Research has shown that diet and exercise can help slow down the growth of prostrate cancer. What then are the prostrate cancer foods to eat? Some prostrate cancer foods to eat are tomatoes, guava, watermelon and papaya. These foods are rich in lycopene which is a natural antioxidant that fights cancer cells. Prostrate cancer nutrition means staying away from calories and meat as well, in particular, red meat. Other prostrate cancer foods to eat are fish (it is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids), walnuts, grains, peas and beans. Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs as well.

Which Anti Cancer Foods Are Good For Children?

Research carried out over the years suggests a link between the type of food you eat and cancer. There are many lists of anti cancer foods out there and it is difficult to ascertain which foods once should eat to prevent cancer. Some anti cancer foods for children include various types of fruits, vegetables and plant foods. These contain antioxidants which affect cancer cells and can also retard their growth. Anti cancer foods for children comprise of the following: mangoes, cabbage, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, ginger, garlic, raspberries, carrots, mushrooms, citrus fruits, apricots, strawberries and so on. Anti cancer diet recipes for kids should include the above foods.

Submitted on January 16, 2014