Healthy Food You might know that Indian food is healthy, but did you know some of the regular foods you eat can actually help you fight cancer: • Turmeric The orange-yellow spice turmeric, is a common ingredient in Indian food, and in recent years, has come out on top in the fight against cancer. Turmeric contains the ingredient, Curcumin, that’s a powerful antioxidant and contains cancer fighting properties. Researchers at Ohio State University concluded that curcumin demonstrated anti-cancer effects at virtually all stages of tumor development. Researchers in Europe have been studying curcumin’s properties and concluded that it prevents and slows tumor cell growth. But Cancer patients shouldn’t load their diets with turmeric too much or consume curcumin supplements without their doctor’s consent. • Garlic Over 30 different studies have shown the anti-cancer properties of garlic. The strongest evidence so far has focused on digestive cancers, but garlic appears to protect against all types of cancer, including breast and prostate. An analysis of seven different large-scale population studies showed that the more raw and cooked garlic a person consumed, the lower their risk of stomach and colorectal cancer; one study found that middle-aged women who regularly consumed garlic had a 50 percent lower risk of developing colon cancer. Scientists have isolated two active ingredients in garlic, allicin and allyl sulfur, and demonstrated that they prevent and fight cancer in both animals and humans.So, add crushed, fresh garlic to your meals whenever possible. Studies focused on garlic have shown, again and again, that this pungent onion kin lives up to its age-old reputation of being a powerful all-around health promoting food. The sulphur compounds that give it its strong flavour have now been shown to protect against cancer by neutralizing carcinogens and slowing tumor growth. In a recent Iowa Women’s Health study, investigators found that women who consume garlic at least once a week also have a 32% lower incidence of breast cancer. Garlic is, of course, also a major ingredient in the now well known “Mediterranean diet”. • Cabbage In 2008, a British study that showed that men with early signs of developing prostate cancer prevented tumor growth by eating broccoli four times a week. Other studies have shown anti-cancer benefits from eating cabbage, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables. • Onions Studies of people from Southern Europe who eat a diet high in garlic and onions (allium vegetables- garlic, onions, and leeks) show a direct relationship with a reduced risk of many common cancers. So, enjoy the raw onions in your salad. • Tomatoes Multiple studies published by cancer institutes have concluded that lycopene, the active chemical in tomatoes, lowered the risk of many different cancers, particularly prostate, breast, lung and colon cancer. Cooking tomatoes seems to enhance the effects of lycopene, so even tomato sauce has health benefits! • Strawberries The dark colors of strawberries come from phytochemicals that protect you from various types of cancer. Strawberries and grapes contain compounds that recent research shows cause cancer cells in the liver to self-destruct. In studies particularly important to women, cranberries have recently been discovered to be an important weapon in the fight against deadly ovarian cancer. Studies reported at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society found that ovarian cancer cells that were becoming resistant to platinum chemotherapy, the standard of care for ovarian cancer, became six times more sensitive when exposed to a compound in cranberries. The anti-cancer properties of strawberries are so strong that researchers have developing concentrated supplements and other products such as purees and concentrates. • Green Tea The green tea have been known to prevent and reduce recurrence of breast and other cancers. University of Mississipi study shows that a green tea chemical known as EGCG inhibits breast tumor growth. EGCG seems to have other benefits, such a stimulating brown fat, which helps you lose weight. Read this to know about brown fat and its benefits. • Whole Wheat In a recent study at the University of Iowa, scientist found that the more whole grain there is in a woman’s diet, the lower her risk of breast cancer, as well as heart disease. In this study, as well as an analysis of 40 other studies on 20 kinds of cancer, investigators established that consumers of whole wheat products (bread, pasta, cereals) have a 33% lower risk of these diseases than those who do not eat whole wheat products. • Oranges Already well known for their high vitamin C content, much recent research in the food sciences has shown that oranges are also rich in many other potent anti-cancer compounds. Investigators have now found that oranges contain more than 170 photochemicals, including more than 20 from the potent carotenoid family alone. In addition, compounds called limonoids – which give citrus fruit their slightly bitter taste – appear to be highly active anti-cancer agents as well. Regular consumption of oranges is associated with significantly lower lung and stomach cancers. • Strawberries In a study tracking the diet and health of 1.271 people, researchers at the Harvard School of Health found that people who love strawberries have a 70% lower incidence of cancer. But, and as many other studies have shown, the same holds true for all other colourful and deeply coloured berries, such as cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, red and purple grapes, and so forth. • Carrots Carrots contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast. Some research indicated beta carotene may actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large quantities – 2 to 3 kilos a day, can cause cancer. In fact, a substance called falcarinol that is found in carrots has been found to reduce the risk of cancer – According to researchers at Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS). • Chili peppers Chili peppers contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer. • Mushrooms Mushrooms There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system – Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are a source of Beta Glucan. They also have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain Thioproline. These mushrooms can stimulate the production of interferon in the body. Extracts from mushrooms have been successfully tested in recent years in Japan as an adjunct to chemotherapy. PSK is made from the Coriolus Versicolor. Maitake mushroom extract is PCM4. • Nuts Nuts contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains 80 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer. (Note: Many people are allergic to the proteins in nuts, so if you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth, tight throat, wheezing, etc. after eating nuts, stop. Consider taking a selenium supplement instead or work with someone on how to eliminate this allergy.)
Posted on: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 10:45:06 +0000
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