Cancer-fighting Foods

[Guest guest]

A very comprehensive list indeed!

One should try to eat organically as much as possible...

at least regarding the tomatoes, potatoes and papaya,

 

as they are genetically engineered

right at the moment!

 

 

 

 

JoAnn Guest wrote:

 

Tue, 30 Jul 2002 15:18:29 -0700 (PDT)

JoAnn Guest

Cancerfighting Foods and spices

 

Cancer Fighting Foods/Spices

 

The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of

all cancer deaths may be diet related. What you eat can hurt you,

but it can also help you. Many of the common foods found in grocery

stores or organic markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from

the antioxidants that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals

to the powerful phytochemicals that scientists are just beginning to

explore. There isn't a single element in a particular food that does

all the work: The best thing to do is eat a variety of foods.

 

The following foods have the ability to help stave off cancer and

some can even help inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size.

 

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that

attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption

of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas

and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe

that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a

cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

 

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called

indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a

cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli,

especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a

product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types

of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the

production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and

carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of

tumors in laboratory animals. However, be aware that the

Agriculture Department studied 71 types of broccoli plants and found

a 30-fold difference in the amounts of glucoraphanin. It appears

that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has.

Broccoli sprouts have been developed under the trade name

BroccoSprouts that have a consistent level of sulforaphane - as much

as 20 times higher than the levels found in mature heads of

broccoli.

 

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).

Kirsten Brandt, head of the research department, explained that

isolated cancer cells grow more slowly when exposed to falcarinol.

This substance is a polyacethylen, however, so it is important not

to cook the carrots.

 

Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may

neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may

help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.

 

Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels

sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin

that may help decrease prostate and other cancers.

 

Figs apparently have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been

reported that investigators at the Institute of Physical and

Chemical Research in Tokyo say benzaldehyde is highly effective at

shrinking tumors, though I haven't seen this report. In addition,

the U.S. Department of Agriculture says figs, which contain vitamins

A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite

and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria

killer in test-tube studies.

 

 

Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and

block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3

fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and

heart disease. See Budwig diet for a specialized diet using flax

seed oil and cottage cheese. For studies about flax seed and flax

oil, go to our Important News or Archives Page.

 

Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that

appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer

and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These

substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow

tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has

also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies

have linked garlic — as well as onions, leeks, and chives — to lower

risk of stomach and colon cancer. Dr. Lenore Arab, professor of

epidemiology and nutrition at the UNC-CH (University of North

Carolina at Chapel Hill) schools of public health and medicine and

colleagues analyzed a number of studies and reported their findings

in the October 2000 issue of the American Journal of Clinical

Nutrition. According to the report, people who consume raw or cooked

garlic regularly face about half the risk of stomach cancer and two-

thirds the risk of colorectal cancer as people who eat little or

none. Their studies didn't show garlic supplements had the same

effect. It is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer

because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium,

Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote

cancer there.

 

Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain

monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping

carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit may

inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. They also

contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid.

 

Grapes, red contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work

as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol,

which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and

suppress immune response. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound

that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells - this

appears to help slow the growth of tumors.

 

Studies show that consumption of green and yellow leafy vegetables

has been associated with lower levels of stomach cancer.

 

Kale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the

conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-

sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals

found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-

causing substances from reaching their targets.

 

Licorice root has a chemical, glycyrrhizin, that blocks a component

of testosterone and therefore may help prevent the growth of

prostate cancer. However, excessive amounts can lead to elevated

blood pressure.

 

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 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.)

 

Oranges and lemons contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing

immune cells (lymphocytes, e.g.) that may also break down cancer-

causing substances.

 

Papayas have vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may also

reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or

processed foods. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid),

which has been shown to minimize cervical dysplasia and certain

cancers.

 

Raspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and

antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer.

According to a recent research study reported by Cancer Research

2001;61:6112-6119, rats fed diets of 5% to 10% black raspberries saw

the number of esophageal tumors decrease by 43% to 62%. A diet

containing 5% black raspberries was more effective than a diet

containing 10% black raspberries. Research reported in the journal

Nutrition and Cancer in May 2002 shows black raspberries may also

thwart colon cancer. Black raspberries are rich in antioxidants,

thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than

blueberries and strawberries.

 

Red wine, even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect

against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent

antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free

radicals. Also, researchers at the University of North Carolina's

medical school in Chapel Hill found the compound resveratrol, which

is found in grape skins. It appears that resveratrol inhibits cell

proliferation and can help prevent cancer. However, the findings

didn't extend to heavy imbibers, so it should be used in moderation.

In addition, alcohol can be toxic to the liver and to the nervous

system, and many wines have sulfites, which may be harmful to your

health. Note: some research indicates that alcohol is considered a

class " A " carcinogen which can actually cause cancer - see

http://www.jrussellshealth.com/alccanc.html. You should probably

switch to non-alcoholic wines.

 

Rosemary may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes.

An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the

development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. We haven't

found any studies done on humans. Rosemary can be used as a

seasoning. It can also be consumed as a tea: Use 1 tsp. dried leaves

per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes.

 

Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein,

vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones -

important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast

cancer. Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the

minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

 

Soy products like tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens —

weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and

prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There

are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown

that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth and spread

of cancerous cells. It appears to lower breast-cancer risk by

inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells and new blood vessels that

tumors require to flourish and is being scrutinized as a potential

anti-cancer drug. However, there are some precautions to consider

when adding soy to your diet. Eating up to 4 or 5 ounces of tofu or

other soy a day is probably ok, but research is being done to see if

loading up on soy could cause hormone imbalances that stimulate

cancer growth. As a precaution, women who have breast cancer or are

at high risk should talk to their doctors before taking pure

isoflavone powder and pills, extracted from soy.

 

Sweet potatoes contain many anticancer properties, including beta-

carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-

causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.

 

Teas: Green Tea and Black tea contain certain antioxidants known as

polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from

dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea

(herbal teas do not show this benefit). According to a report in the

July 2001 issue of the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, these

polyphenols that are abundant in green tea, red wine and olive oil,

may protect against various types of cancer. Dry green tea leaves,

which are about 40% polyphenols by weight, may also reduce the risk

of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas,

study findings have suggested.

Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant. It is one of the many

plants that manufactures cyanide by producing a chemical called

linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by

the linamarase enzyme. Spanish researches have been studying the

cassava and attempting to clone the genes from the plant which are

responsible for producing the hydrogen cyanide and then transfer it

to a retrovirus. However, funding for the project has run out.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_317000/317467.stm for

more information on this. For a list of other foods that contain

B17, go to our laetrile page.

 

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming

oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of

triggering cancer. It appears that the hotter the weather, the more

lycopene tomatoes produce. They also have vitamin C, an antioxidant

which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer. Watermelons,

carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances, but in

lesser quantities. It is concentrated by cooking tomatoes.

Scientists in Israel have shown that lycopene can kill mouth cancer

cells. An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a

reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer.

(Note: Recent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body

also needs some oil along with lycopene.)

 

Tumeric (curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, is believed

to have medicinal properties because it inhibits production of the

inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), levels of

which are abnormally high in certain inflammatory diseases and

cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer. In fact, a

pharmaceutical company Phytopharm in the UK hopes to introduce a

natural product, P54, that contains certain volatile oils, which

greatly increase the potency of the turmeric spice.

 

Turnips are said to contain glucose molaes which is a cancer

fighting compound. I haven't confirmed this.

 

Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with

decreased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.

 

There are many good books on this topic, including Vern Verona's

book on " Cancer Fighting Foods. "

 

 

 

 

 

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