It’s important to know that cancer-fighting foods can have various properties; thus some foods fight inflammation which incites cancer growth, while other foods kill cancer cells. There are also foods that cleanse the body of toxins and protect against free radical damage at the same time. One thing is for sure and that is healthy organic foods will attack any illness on some level.
If you compare the list of cancer-fighting foods, you can see that it’s completely different than the Standard American Diet (SAD). It mainly comprises organic foods like fruits, beans, colorful vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, garlic, herbs, and spices. The following list is not comprehensive, but it does give a few highlights on foods with anti-cancer properties.
1. BEANS
The most important thing about beans is that they are rich with numerous phytochemicals as well as fiber. For one thing, beans contain phytochemicals like saponins, which can prevent cancer cell growth, protease inhibitors and phytic acid, both of which slow cancer cell reproduction, thus the development of tumors. Folate, or vitamin B9, which reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer, is also found in beans.
2. BLACK SEED/OIL
More than 656 peer reviewed studies on this amazing food, also known as black cumin, black cumin seed, or black seed, have been published so far. This seed has been proven to be extremely beneficial for the immune system, and was even used by Dr. Hwyda Arafar M.D., PhD, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients, with astonishing results of 80% cell death.
3. CARROTS
Abundant in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is believed to protect cell membranes from toxin damage and slow cancer cells growth, carrots are highly efficient in fighting HPV as well as in the treatment of leukemia.
4. CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES
According to studies carried out by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer, broccoli and other cruciferous veggies were most efficient against mouth, esophagus and stomach cancers. This is due to the fact that cruciferous vegetables including bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards and cauliflower are rich in sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols (I3Cs), both of which are potent cancer-fighting agents. What these components do is detoxify the body preventing precancerous cells from developing into malignant tumors. For even greater nutritional value, you may also consider eating broccoli sprouts.
5. GARLIC
Garlic may be repulsive because of its strong odor, but it’s this odor, i.e. the Sulphur compounds producing it, that gives garlic its powerful anti-cancer properties. Sulphur prevents the formation of cancer cells in your body, speeds up DNA repair and kills cancer cells at the same time. Other foods from the alliaceous group are also beneficial for your health: onions, leeks, shallots and chives. The sulfur in this group of foods is extremely efficient against prostate, colon, breast and lung cancers.
6. GINGER
Cancer growth can also be slowed down with ginger. For one thing, ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which are extremely beneficial for ovarian cancer. Moreover, ginger root can do wonders for relieving nausea, migraines, sore muscles and arthritis. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, the anti-inflammatory power of ginger kills ovarian cancer cells in a test tube faster than chemo.
7. GRAPES AND RESVERATROL
Grapes, blueberries, cranberries and pomegranate are not only rich in a number of antioxidants, but also in resveratrol, which has many health benefits such as reducing inflammation, and preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Research has also confirmed that resveratrol can curb the division of cancer cells and incite cancer cell death.
8. GREEN TEA
According to lab studies, catechins in green tea can reduce tumors i.e. tumor cell growth. Apart from catechins, green tea is also rich in polyphenols, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which can greatly affect cancer cells. Plus, this powerful antioxidant cleanses the liver and prevents cancer growth.
9. POMEGRANATE
Abundant in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this fruit can drastically reduce the division of prostate cancer cells. But, be cautious to read the labels when buying pomegranate juice, as it is often loaded with sugar.
10. SEA VEGETABLES
Hosting a number of nutritional and health benefits, sea vegetables including kelp, kombu, hijiki, nori and arame are foods rich in minerals and vitamins. For one thing, kelp is efficient in removing radioactive particles and heavy metals from your body. Kombu, on the other hand, is packed with iodine, carotenes, B, C, D and E vitamins and reduces blood pressure efficiently. Plus, it is high protein seaweed containing calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, iron, and zinc. Hijiki is extremely efficient for stimulating T-cells, which on their part, active the immune response. Nori is rich in all the carotenes, calcium, iron, iodine and phosphorous. Arame is one of the richest sources of iodine. According to herbalists, arame can shrink breast and uterine fibroids. These are quite easy to include in diet as you can simply add them to soups, salads, and rice or noodle dishes. Dried seaweeds turned into powder can also be used in detox baths.
11. SPINACH
According to an NIH/AARP study including over 490,000 people, those who consumed more spinach were less prone to developing esophageal cancer. Among other things, this versatile vegetable contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which eliminate unstable molecules and free radicals from your body. Other dark green leafy vegetables also contain these carotenoids. Recent findings reveal that the carotenoids in spinach and other foods decrease the risk of ovarian, endometrial, lung, and colorectal cancer, too.
12. STRAWBERRIES
Ellagic acid and vitamin C are the prevailing antioxidants found in strawberries. The anti-cancer properties of ellagic acid stimulate enzymes to slow the growth of tumors. It’s scientifically proven that all berries are rich in potent antioxidants, meaning that they naturally protect your body from free radicals that cause cell damage. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries are other berries rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidant agents. Fruits and berries are efficient in reducing the risks of lung, mouth, stomach and esophagus cancer.
13. TOMATOES
For one thing, tomatoes have high lycopene content, and a number of studies have confirmed that lycopene antioxidant properties reduce the chances of prostate cancer. Moreover, in lab studies lycopene has inhibited the growth of other types of cancer including breast, lung and endometrial. Lycopene is also found in watermelon, pink grapefruit and red bell peppers. If tomatoes and peppers are consumed on regular basis, it can lead to a lower risk of several cancers, especially prostate cancer, but on the other hand, these foods also contain solanine, which can worsen the condition of inflammation in the body. Learn more here.
14. TURMERIC
Turmeric gets its healing properties from its active ingredient – curcumin, which is one of the most powerful antioxidants with numerous health benefits. A number of studies have confirmed its ability to kill numerous cancer lines. Comprehensive summaries of 700 turmeric studies have been published by the ethnobotanist James A. Duke.
15. VITAMIN D
Though not food, vitamin D is really important for reducing the risk of breast and colon cancer, as well as improving the survival rate of lung cancer, a number of studies confirm.
In the words of Ann Wigmore “the food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”
You should consult your physician before any change in diet or protocol.
