Prevent cancer through nutrition

(NaturalNews) Is there really such a thing as an anti-cancer food? According to The National Cancer Institute, roughly one third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. Recent studies show that there is not a single element in a particular food that fights cancer but overall eating patterns work towards preventing cancer. Eating a variety of healthy foods on a regular basis can fight and even reverse cancer. This article examines cancer fighting foods, drinks and spices to include in the diet.

How Cancer Starts

Cancer begins as a single abnormal cell that begins to multiply out of control. Soon, these rapidly multiplying cells form tumors that invade healthy tissue. Once cancerous cells begin, they rapidly invade surrounding tissue. Carcinogens from chemicals, radiation, smoke, pollution and foods can boost the development of tumors. Compounds known as inhibitors can keep the tumor cells from growing. Some vitamins and phytochemicals in plant foods are known to be inhibitors.

Foods that Prevent Cancer

Increase consumption of omega-3 rich foods, such as wild-caught cold-water fish like salmon, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.

Vegetables high in antioxidants and known to lower the risk of cancer are avocados, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, garlic, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and beans. Eat plenty of raw, unsalted nuts such as Brazil nuts, walnuts and almonds.

Fruits to add to the diet on a regular basis include grapefruit, figs, oranges, lemons, grapes, papayas, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and pears.

According to James A. Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1998), "a salad with cancer fighting properties would contain organically grown ingredients such as garlic, onions, red peppers, tomatoes, red clover flowers, chopped cooked beets, fresh calendula flowers, celery, fresh chicory flowers, chives, cucumbers, cumin, peanuts, purslane, and sage."

Adds James Duke: "I came up with a cancer prevention dressing to use with this salad. It includes flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, garlic, rosemary, a dash of lemon juice, and that Latin American favorite, hot peppers."

Teas and Drinks That Fight Cancer

To help prevent cancer, choose teas that are rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. Polyphenols combine with free radicals at the cellular level to prevent them from damaging cells and, worst case scenario, degenerating into cancer.

Rooibos tea (red bush tea), green tea, ginger and green tea and black tea are all rich in antioxidants.

Drink red wine in moderation for its antioxidant effects. Choose organic, sulfite free red wine.

Drink plenty of fresh, pure water on a daily basis to flush out toxins from the body.

Herbs and Spices

Spices such as turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and herbs such as rosemary, oregano, parsley and sage should be included in the diet as often as possible for their cancer fighting properties.

Sources:

http://www.west.net/~cure/cancer_fi...
http://www.naturalnews.com/000371.html
http://nutrition.suite101.com/artic...