There are many scientific studies that continue to proceed for the health and well-being of various concerns in our culture today. One of the concerns we are faced with are the varieties of cancers, preventing them, as well as curing them.
It has been roughly estimated by the National Cancer Institute that about 1/3 of all cancer deaths may be diet related and therefore may be preventable, treatable by dietary changes and for some, maybe even curable in the right combined and supported environment. It has been a learning process to recognize both, that what we eat can hurt us, as well as what we choose to eat, can also heal/help us.
The best thing to do is to eat a variety of the healthiest of food groups in their natural, organic state to attain the best nutritional and healing benefits. The following foods have the benefits and nutritional value to help ward off cancer and some can even inhibit cancer growth or reduce tumor size.
Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower have specific chemical components which fight breast cancer by converting the cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective version. Broccoli sprouts are known specifically to have the ability to aid in preventing specific cancers like colon and rectal cancer. (1)
It is recognized that sprouting and eating the sprouts to cruciferous, legumes and grains produces a higher nutritional value, thus increases the benefits of these foods in the sprouted stages to be harvested and eaten.
Avocado’s have a powerful antioxidant called glutathione that protects against free radicals. Avocado’s have a higher percentage of potassium than banana’s, with much less sugar so there is less concern of spiking the insulin levels and then having a sudden drop as a result and they are also a very strong source of beta carotene, which prevents cancer. It is also believed that Avocado’s may be useful in treating the viral hepatitis too, a cause for liver cancer, as well as other sources of liver damage. (1)
Chili peppers and jalapenos contain capsaicin, which is chemical that may neutralize certain kinds of cancer causing substances that may help prevent cancers in the stomach. (1)
Kale, Brussels’ sprouts, as well as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, all contain antioxidants that have been found to potentially reduce or help decrease prostrate and other cancers.
Garlic is immune enhancing which appears to increase the activity of the immune cells that fight cancer and even indirectly break down cancer causing substances. A component of garlic oil, called Diallyl sulfide, has been shown to also render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Additional studies have shown links that garlic, as well as onions, leeks and chives, has lowered risk of stomach and colon cancer. (1)
Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries have many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants that may be known to protect against cancer. Research tests with diet rich in black raspberries of about 5%-10% daily; have shown a decrease in esophageal tumors by 43%-62%. The black raspberries also have been researched and reported as having seen as “thwarting colon cancer.” (2) It is believed that with the black raspberries richness in antioxidants and plant compounds, they are even more cancer -preventing than blueberries or strawberries. (1)
Seaweed and other sea vegetables have a high concentration of mineral such as iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine, as well as beta carotene, protein, Vitamin B12, fiber, chlorophyll and important fatty acid that may help fight against breast cancer. (1)
Rosemary has the ability, when created in an extract, to inhibit breast and skin cancer. It may even help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. (1) Research continues to verify results founded in the treatment of other various cancers, such as colon cancer, stomach cancer and lung cancer.
In summary, this will provide some idea of healthy foods to reach for, as well as inspiration for better health, and wiser choices available, including natural and organic gardening, food preparing and eating a variety of these types of selections to prevent and support your overall well being.
(1) National Cancer Institute
(2) Journal Nutrition and Cancer May 2002