Preventing disease is always preferable to fighting it. National Cancer Institute’s Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, PhD, MPH, RD, puts it this way, “The easiest, least-expensive way to reduce your risk for cancer is just by eating a healthy diet.”A variety of fruits and vegetables should make up the largest portions on your plate. It leaves less room for foods that may be high in saturated fats or preservatives. Karen Collins, RD, nutritional advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research explains, “You’re looking at creating something for a lifetime. If each month or so you enjoy [one more vegetable], then that’s great.” 6 Natural Cancer Fighters You Need in Your Diet
- Folate – foods rich in this B-complex vitamin protect against cell mutations and can be found in orange juice, leafy greens, beans, etc.
- Vitamin D – several studies are ongoing due to initial evidence that this vitamin inhibits cancer cell growth by as much as a 50% reduction in breast cancer risk. You can find it in milk as well as other sources such as cod, shrimp, salmon and eggs.
- Kaempferol – a flavonoid found in teas, this compound has shown remarkable effects against ovarian and breast cancer. Four cups each day is suggested. Drink it year-round, iced or hot, for added benefit.
- Cruciferous Vegetables – members of the cabbage family such as kale, broccoli, spinach and greens have been shown to protect against prostate and colon cancers. More incredibly, mice with cancerous tumors showed a reduction in tumor size just one month after being treated with a substance derived from cruciferous veggies. Raw is best, but if you must cook them, a light steam will ensure you trap the powerful antioxidants inside. Chew well and never microwave!
- Curcumin – this is the primary compound in curry powder. Loaded with extreme anti-inflammatory properties, this spice fights cancer while adding delicious flavor to your favorite meals. University of Texas biochemist, Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD, had this to say: “Among all the cancers we and others have examined, no cancer yet has been found which is not affected by curcumin. This is expected, as inflammation is the mediator for most cancer.”
- Ginger – scientists have discovered that ginger works in two ways against cancer. It kills cells while leaving healthy cells undamaged (apoptosis) and tricks cancer cells into digesting themselves (autophagy). Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly how it works but advise adding non-toxic ginger to your diet.
Source – undergroundhealthreporter.com
