The compounds and properties present in some foods and spices can help fight cancer. This means that every time you consume a healthy meal, snack, or drink that contains some of these naturally occurring cancer fighters, you have the opportunity to fight cancer. Certain foods and spices have proven more effective at reducing or preventing certain types of cancer than others, according to research into their anticancer properties.
The word “cancer” describes a wide range of disorders in which abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably, cross their normal boundaries, and invade the neighboring tissues and/or organs. As of 2018, there were 9.6 million new cancer cases or one in six deaths worldwide, making cancer the second leading cause of death according to the World Health Organization. The number of new cancer cases diagnosed in children ages 0–19 reaches 300,000 each year; Breast, colorectal, liver, colorectal, and thyroid cancers are the most common types of cancer in women, while lung, stomach, prostate, and liver cancers are the most common types of cancer in men according to the World Health Organization database.
This simple reminder was developed years ago by the American Cancer Society.
- C: Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A: A sore that does not heal
- U: Unusual bleeding or discharge
- T: Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
- I: Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- O: Obvious change in a wart or mole
- N: Nagging cough or hoarseness
On a positive note, 30–50% of cancers could be prevented. These Ten (10) natural cancer-fighting foods can fight the risk of cancer.
- Garlic
Herbs such as garlic contain allium compounds that boost immune system activity, which may help fight cancer.
In Britain, stomach and bowel cancer are among the most common killers. Garlic may protect against these ailments. The effects of garlic on blood clotting mechanisms have long been recognized as reducing heart disease and stroke risks.
A new study shows that eating raw or cooked garlic regularly reduces the risk of stomach cancer by half and colon cancer by two-thirds. The newly-released study was released as Prince Charles launched Loud Tie Day as part of his awareness campaign for bowel cancer. 30,000 people are diagnosed with this form of cancer each year, and 18,500 of those die from it. This form of cancer is the second largest killer after lung cancer. The number of stomach cancer diagnoses each year is approximately 10,000. An extensive review of hundreds of studies investigating the role of garlic in preventing cancer has been carried out by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH).
Researchers suggest eating between one and two servings of garlic each day can help prevent cancer. Garlic supplements and two to five cloves of garlic per week are recommended by the American Institute for Cancer Research.
2. Beans
In addition to providing a significant amount of fiber, beans are one of the best plant protein sources, and they also have cancer-fighting properties, making them a very important food item in a nutritious diet. The Colorado State University reported that beans have anticancer properties. In their study, the researchers found that beans carry phytochemicals that prevent or slow the genetic growth of cells. In addition to reducing the risk of many types of cancer, beans are also beneficial for preventing prostate cancer. Beans are also associated with a decreased risk of cancer of the digestive tract due to their high fiber content.
3. Carrots
The beta-carotene in carrots has been linked to a reduced risk of a number of cancers, ranging from prostate, mouth, stomach, and throat, to colon, bladder, and colon cancer. Research in Urology has shown that carrots may reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Carrots also appear to reduce the risk of mouth and throat cancers, according to a National Cancer Institute study. The substance falcarinol also found in carrots fights cancer. A falcarinol study on intestinal cancer cells showed that the substance inhibited cell proliferation. Lastly, raw carrots are more effective as a cancer prevention food because they retain more nutritional value. Cooked carrots lose this benefit, although both types are excellent sources of fiber and are important for cancer prevention.
4. Broccoli Sprouts
By acting as an antioxidant, broccoli sprouts can prevent, and even reverse, cancer by protecting human cells. It’s a phytochemical that gives broccoli sprouts their radish-like flavor. When ingested by humans, phytochemicals such as these stimulate the protective abilities of our cells.
As early as 1992, John Hopkins University scientists isolated glucoraphanin, a phytochemical associated with cancer prevention, from broccoli. After this, it was discovered that the phytochemical was at least 20 times more abundant in sprouts that were only 3–4 days old compared to mature plants.
Although broccoli sprouts are smaller than full-sized broccoli, they contain a number of powerful anti-cancer elements. In sprouts, sulforaphane acts as a catalyst to boost enzymes for detoxification, which in turn triggers ongoing antioxidant activity for 72 hours.
Broccoli seeds can be purchased online as well as organic sprouts in natural health food stores. Thousands of people are now sprouting broccoli seeds from seeds in a jar or using a sprouting kit that has trays. Enjoy the health benefits of broccoli sprouts by adding them to your next meal.
5. Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne peppers originate from the French Guiana province of Cayenne. It’s commonly dried and made into a powdered form. Additionally, it is used fresh in a lot of recipes. Several different cultures grow it, including those in India, East Africa, Mexico, and certain areas in the United States. Besides being delicious, it provides some remarkable health benefits and adds a touch of heat to any meal.
The active ingredient in cayenne pepper that ignites your tongue, lips, and body is Capsaicin. Research indicates that Capsaicin also causes cancer cells to die by causing apoptosis.
Fun fact: Habanero peppers contain four to six times as much Capsaicin as Cayenne peppers with a Scoville rating of approximately 200,000 units.
6. Mushrooms
The benefits of mushrooms for health overall include their ability to fight cancer. The Chinese have been using mushrooms for more than 6,000 years for their medicinal properties.
Among the most well-known Asian mushrooms are shiitake, maitake, reishi, oyster, and cordyceps. Even though Asian mushrooms can benefit you in terms of health, you can also benefit from supplements that contain mushroom extracts.
Researchers discovered that ergosterol peroxide worked against cancer cells in humans. According to Russo (2010), researchers observed that ergosterol peroxide retarded cell growth and induced cell suicide (apoptosis) in prostate cancer cells, which allowed them to conclude that mushrooms could be used as novel therapeutic agents against prostate cancer.
7. Raspberries
Raspberries are native to Europe. It is believed that they originated in Greece, widely known and highly appreciated throughout history. After spreading to the Netherlands, England, and soon after North America, it went on to spread to Italy as well.
Anthocyanins in raspberries may protect against cancer due to their antioxidant properties and phytonutrient content. The number of esophageal tumors in rats fed a diet containing 5% to 10% black raspberries decreased by 43% to 62%, according to a Cancer Research study. Additionally, black raspberry extract demonstrated activity against esophageal cancer in rats as well as against colon cancer cells in subsequent studies. Patients with colorectal cancer were given black raspberry powder in a recent study conducted at Ohio State University. It appears that black raspberries may work to prevent colorectal cancer in humans, enough to warrant the additional studies that have been conducted on this simple fruit. Raspberries may play a valuable role in cancer prevention, say the researchers.
8. Green Tea
China is thought to be the origin of green tea. China still refers to green tea only, not tea and everything related to it like in the West. It is believed that Camellia sinensis originated in China’s Yunnan province.
The caffeine content of tea is only a third that of coffee. The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and catechins in green tea are extremely effective against cancer cells. Cancer rates are likely higher in Japan due to a large amount of salty food and tobacco available. However, EGCG retards cancer growth.
It is very difficult to find real green tea in North America. Japanese supermarkets also sell many varieties of green tea, and the best brands come in boxes you can’t read. It should also be noted that black tea loses healthy catechins during fermentation and that decaffeinated tea loses catechins during washing.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes were once a wild plant in the Americas, but today there are thousands of varieties grown around the world. Tomatoes, grown today in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, originated as wild plants in the Andes.
Tomato is a very important source of lycopene, a phytonutrient that is both a phytonutrient and an antioxidant. Lycopene is concentrated in cooked or processed tomatoes, such as tomato sauce, tomato juice, or tomato extract. One of the largest studies involved almost 48,000 men and explored tomato lycopene’s connection with the fight against cancer. Having consumed more tomatoes and tomato products, the researchers found, men had a 35% reduced risk of prostate cancer, and a 53% reduced risk for aggressive prostate cancer. Seven years later, investigators published a follow-up study to this study that confirmed frequent consumption of tomatoes was associated with a lowered risk for prostate cancer.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is classified as a ginger-related ingredient. Curries are traditionally made with curry powder. However, the root of the plant makes mustard yellow color, as well. The spice’s peppery, bitter flavor is a result of curcumin, the spice’s active ingredient. In both Chinese and Indian medicine systems, turmeric has long been used to treat inflammation and colds, and asthma. According to researchers, turmeric/curcumin may also possess cancer-fighting properties.
A study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, showed that prostate cancer incidence in India is very low in comparison to the United States. This has been attributed to Indians’ dietary habits, which include high amounts of plant-based foods with phytochemicals, which are known to protect against disease.
