Foods That Can Prevent Cancer
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Foods That Can
Prevent Cancer All foods, in their
essential, unadulterated form provide nutrients and co-factors that support
growth and healing. Food is diminished in value when it is grown on poor soil
that has been chemically treated with synthetic herbicides, pesticides and
fertilizers. When it is highly processed for extended shelf life, nutrients are
lost, preservatives, additives and stabilizers are added. These inorganic
compounds are metabolic disrupters of vital nervous, endocrine and immune
functions. A plant-based Eating for Health food plan provides the balance of
nutrients for protection against environmental pollutants, and the
neutralization of antigens and micro-organisms that compromise our health. *************************************************************** Foods That Can
Prevent Cancer Did you know that eating 100 grams a day of pureed raspberries could reduce your risk of cancer? Or that broccoli sprouts, strawberries, grapes, and pecans can inhibit the growth of cancer cells? Jim Meuninck, a biologist and one of our expert columnists, shares information on what foods can protect you from cancer. To discover more about how foods and herbs protect your health and add pleasure to your life read Jim's free newsletter at "http://www.herbvideos.com" Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) contain ellagic acid (ellagic tannins). Eating one hundred grams per day of pureed raspberries may reduce the risk of cancer. Renowned cancer fighting institutions such as Johns Hopkins University Medical School; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University South Carolina and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute at Ohio State Medical School and others are exploring how phytochemicals from plant foods may help prevent or treat cancer. According to Pharmacologist Dr. Paul Talalay at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions broccoli sprouts "...may offer a simple dietary means of chemically reducing cancer risk." Sulforaphane a chemical hydrolyzed from isothiocyanate in broccoli sprouts (and broccoli florets to a lesser extent) promotes the activity of phase two detoxification enzymes to protect cells from mutations and biochemical damage. Animal studies showed sulforaphane reduced cancer incidence and reduced tumor size. Broccoli sprouts are great sprinkled over soups, meat dishes, vegetables, salads. Put them on sandwiches. * Isothiocyanate Converts to Sulforaphane in the Mouth At the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute at Ohio State University researchers have discovered inhibitors of chemical carcinogenesis. These chemopreventative anti cancer agents include phenethyl isothiocyanate, phenylpropyl isothiocyanate, phenylbutyl isothiocyanate and phenylhexyl siothiocyanate, indole-3-carvinol and ellagic acid. Experiments were carried out on laboratory mice. Isothiocayanates and ellagic acid can be obtained from food. Isothiocyanates are in broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts and Bok Choy. Ellagic acid is in raspberries, walnuts, pecans, grapes, strawberries and cranberries. * Ellagic Acid Inhibits Cancer Ellagic acid a naturally occurring phenolic compound from raspberries, strawberries, grapes, walnuts, pecans and cranberries is an antimutagen, anticarcinogen and inhibitor of cancer. Raspberries contain about three times as much ellagic acid as strawberries and walnuts (approx: 1500 micrograms/gram dry weight in raspberries). Dr. Daniel Nixon of Hollings Cancer Center suggests that 150 grams or one cup of raspberries slows growth of abnormal colon cells in humans, may prevent and destroy development of cells infected with human papilloma virus the cause of cervical cancer and in laboratory studies ellagic acid breaks down (apoptosis) human leukemia cells. Much of the ellagic acid is in the seeds, thus it is necessary to puree the fruit. This leads me to believe that, although walnuts have only one third the amount of ellagic acid as raspberries, it may be more bioavailable. If I were to use ellagic acid against cancer I would puree raspberries and strawberries, stir in some crushed walnuts, and use the blend on my high fiber Paleo waffle (recipe below). A study is currently underway evaluating the effect of ellagic acid from raspberries on women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). About 10% of all Pap smears in the United States present ASCUS. This represents 5 million females. These women infected with human papilloma viruses (types 16 and/or 18) are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The more invasive, immature metaplastic form of ASCUS is found in approximately one million American women. In the study, women with ASCUS will receive either a placebo or raspberry puree in dosages providing a detectable tissue level in the cervix. Ellagic acid in test tube studies inhibits the mutagenic activity of aflatoxin B1. Elsewhere, in animal studies, curcumin from turmeric, a spice, rich in cancer preventing antioxidants was combined with ellagic acid to reduce the amount of aberrant bone marrow cells and chromosome damage in mice with radiation induced toxicity. Curcumin the yellow agent in the spice turmeric may inhibit chemically induced preneoplastic lesions in the breast and colon as well as neoplastic lesions in the skin, duodenum, colon, and forestomach of rodents. It is a tasty and healthy idea to begin incorporating curcumin in your diet. Curry powders are loaded with antioxidant rich spices and herbs including curcumin. Recipe: Paleo Waffle Ingredients:
Cook wild rice for 7 minutes then add multi grain cereal for two more minutes. Stir rice, cereal and Bisquick together with milk, egg white, nuts and lemon juice. Add other ingredients. Spray waffle iron with Canola spray and pour on batter. COVER WAFFLE WITH RASPBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES AND BLUEBERRIES FOR YOUR ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI CANCER BREAKFAST. * Flavonoids from Teas Provide Antioxidants Green tea, chamomile tea, lemon balm tea, black tea, oolong tea and mint teas provide us with cancer fighting bioflavonoids. The polyphenols in green and black tea may be anticarcinogenic. Flavonoids in herb teas contain cancer fighting antioxidants. In vitro studies, suggest green tea polyphenols inhibit carcinogen induced skin, lung, forestomach, esophagus, duodenum and colon tumors in rodents. The most active chemical is (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG. * Plant Chemistry Destroys Cancer Cells A recent study reported by Joel Schwartz of Howard University showed a mixture of plant chemicals including beta-carotene, retinyl palmitate, dl-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vit. C) and glutathione produced a greater suppressive effect in oral cancer cells inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis). This mixture induced a greater degree of tumor growth suppression than any one of the single phytochemicals alone. Studies like this help to substantiate that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole, live foods may be your best prevention against cancer. * More Research Needed Another study by David Kritichemsky et, al. at the Wistar Institute reports that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from homogenized milk, cheese, lamb and other meat products inhibited tumors in laboratory animals. Critical in the use of meats as a preventative was the temperature at which it was cooked. CLA from fresh ground beef cooked at 191 degree centigrade was an effective tumor inhibitor, whereas flame broiled or high temperature cooked hamburger heated to 300 degrees centigrade formed carcinogens that were mutagenic. It is hypothesized that 3.5 grams of CLA may provide tumor inhibition in humans. Studies are underway to increase the amount of CLA in milk. Ten grams of lamb fat would contain about 3.5 grams of CLA. Depending on the cut of lamb this may require eating anywhere from 100 to 200 grams of meat. Of course, this was an animal study and until human trials support this preliminary evidence, I suggest nibble on cheese and eat lamb only if you like it. For more anti-cancer tips see: Jim Meuninck's free newsletter at "http://www.herbvideos.com" Sources: PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Co.pp.1105-1105; 1999. Meuninck, Corson, Holt, Behnke Strasser: Diet for Natural Health, Media Methods, Video 1999. Talaly, Paul, Protection Against Cancer by Phytochemicals That Induce Phase 2 Enzymes: the Broccoli Connection..Advances in Nutritional Oncology: From Carcinogenesis to Therapeutic Intervention; NOAT 4th Annual Congress, Presented by Ohio State U. Comprehensive Cancer Center et.al. Nixon, Daniel, Carcinogenesis Through the Eyes of the Nutritional Oncologist...Advances in Nutritional Oncology: From Carcinogenesis to Therapeutic Intervention; NOAT 4th Annual Congress, Presented by Ohio State U. Comprehensive Cancer Center et.al. Schwartz, Joel; A Mixture of Chemopreventives Modifying the Oxidative State and Inducing Programmed Cell Death in Human Oral Carcinoma Cells.Kritchevsky, David; Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Carcinogenesis. Cancer Prevention International, Cognizant Communication Corporation, Vol 3 No. 3/4 PP.199-205. 1998
Dieting
to Prevent Cancer Flaxseeds have been endorsed by the FDA for cancer prevention. Eating flax seed and other Omega 3 rich foods such as almonds, Brazil nuts and walnuts may provide protection against cancer as well as heart disease, strokes, inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Flaxseeds boosts the immune system. They increase vitamin D levels and helps retain calcium, magnesium and phosphate for better bone health. Lignins in flax are antioxidants that inhibit estrogenic activity and inhibit prostaglandins that increase cancer metastasis. I munch on flaxseeds right out of the bag. Or grind them in a blender or coffee mill. You can add them to cereals, waffles, salads, vegetable dishes and rice. Trans-Fatty-Acids and Cancer When vegetable oils are hydrogenated, to make margarine and lard for example, they form trans-fatty-acids. Trans-fatty-acids are also formed from partially hydrogenated oils in cookies, cupcakes and candy bars. Trans-fatty-acids may increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. Other sources of trans-fatty-acids are butter and milk fat. It is a good idea to greatly restrict your consumption of trans-fatty-acids. Calorie Restriction May Prevent Cancer To prevent cancer I limit the total amount of calories that I consume. This is my best protection from chronic disease. As Thomas Jefferson said: "We never repent having eaten too little." Excess calories and excess fat lead to excess fatty deposits within our bodies. This excess stored fat increases the secretion of steroid hormone like estrogen and androgens. Overweight women are at higher risk for endometrial cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, kidney cancer, gallbladder cancer. Also, excess food consumption leads to hyperglycemia and excess Insulin secretion. These factors may increase your risk for cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Increased body size may also cause cancer to reoccur. Men who are overweight have increased risk of colon cancer, gall bladder cancer and kidney cancer. The biggest single contributor to body weight is fat. Even essential fats like Omega 6 fatty acids may increase blood supplies to tumor cells and may increase metastasis and tumor growth. That is why in this program we want to emphasize increasing the ration of Omega 3 fatty acids to Omega 6 fatty acids. Both Omega 6 and Omega 3 oils come from plants. The diet that is good for the prevention and control of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure is the same diet that prevents and controls cancer. We all have cancer cells in our bodies at all times. It is the health of our bodies that determines if those cancer cells multiply or are removed from our body with help from our immune system. I believe our diets impact greatly on how successful we are at controlling cancer growth. Cancer Preventing Foods The most important food groups to include for cancer prevention are fruits and vegetables. Eat plant foods with diverse colors: red, green, orange, blue, purple...These rich colors provide flavonoids and numerous other phyto chemicals that protect us from cancer. Nancy's Personal Anti-Cancer Formula To prevent or control cancer I fall back on over 4500 research studies from around the world that suggest I....
To discover how to improve your health by improving your diet and life style see our two videos: "prod_diet.htm""prod_medherb.htm" Mayan and Aztec Food
& Medicine: Pumpkin Seeds and Tomatillos Warrior Plants:
Native Americans consider plants that grow straight up toward the sun as warrior
plants: garlic, peppers, nuts, corn, onions, sage...They take their energy from
the sun. They are warming and indicated as food protection against acute
infections. Female plants like pumpkin rest upon the ground and are cooling,
taking their energy from the "Mother Earth". They are eaten to replace
water and electrolytes. This is the best time of year to buy pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo). Buy unsalted green seeds or whole in the shell seeds. Keep them in your freezer. Green pumpkin seeds are hulled and a one pound bag will last the uninitiated about one millennium. After roasting in the oven, pumpkin seeds are great in pumpkin pie, providing an alarming crunch to the unsuspecting guest who has never had nuts in pumpkin pie. Also, they are a nutritious fit in waffle and pancake mixes, bread, muffins. Sprinkle them over salads. Swirl them into chicken stir fry. With a little practice you can empty that one pound bag before the end of this millennium. Mayan Food, Aztec Medicine What’s all the fuss about pumpkin seeds? Well, if your significant other still has his prostate, pumpkin seeds may help him keep it. There is empirical evidence that eating pumpkin seeds my alleviate prostate complaints including urinating difficulties associated with prostate hyperplasia. Cucurbitin an amino acid in pumpkin seeds kills worms and vermin. Pumpkin seeds are use in Mexico and Central America as a folk remedy to kill tapeworms and other intestinal parasites, perhaps effective in the early stages of schistomiasis and prophylactic to traveler’s diarrhea. The active chemistry that may effect the prostate are zinc, essential fatty acids and phytosterols. Phytosterols in pumpkin seed include: sitosterol, stigmasterol, spinasterol, clerosterol to name a few. Pharmacologically plant sterols can be converted to steroid compounds similar to our own endogenous steroids (hormones). Does our body use plant sterols like steroids? Preliminary evidence suggests it does. Mexican "wise women", traditional fold medicine practitioners, take three or four tablespoons of the seeds per day to treat worm infestations, prostate complaints, irritable bladders. As mentioned, seeds are good sources of essential fatty acids: linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, arachidic acid and stearic acid. Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are life supporting, we can’t live without them. They come from plants and pumpkin seeds like flax seeds are a good source. For folks that get cold sores pumpkin seeds contain lysine. Lysine may help cut the frequency of cold sore infections. Pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially zinc. Right now, pumpkin seeds are fresh, available and abundant. Eat them because they are nutritious and taste good. If there is a medicinal spin off that keeps you vibrant and healthy, well then, I’m not surprised. We eat plants or we eat animals that eat plants. Therefore our chemistry is made up from plant chemistry. We are plants with wheels.
Here’s a pumpkin seed/tomatillo recipe: Tomatillos are wild solanaceous plants related to tomatoes and eggplant. They are available in the produce section of markets frequented by Hispanic Americans. Tomatillos self seed in our garden year after year. Green mole made with tomatillas is versatile, combine pumpkin seeds and it is unique.
Boil tomatillos and peppers in water until they are soft, about 7 to 10 minutes. Strain. While peppers and tomatillos cool. Grind pumpkin and cumin seeds. Dice garlic clove. Add ground seeds, garlic, peppers and tomatillos to a blender. Puree. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Salt and pepper. Use this sauce on everything. I mean it. Over chicken, in soups, tacos, enchiladas...Jill (my wife) and I make it by the quart. Author’s note: Triple treat pumpkins can be grown at home and produce shell-less seeds. We need to mention this but we use no butter or dairy at all #11 Use butter over margarine. Butter contains CLA's mentioned in #3. One study suggests that a diet higher in trans fats may increase the risk of breast cancer. Margarine, most French fries, both frozen and fast-food, and many processed and fried foods made with hydrogenated fats are a top trans fat source. If you prefer margarine, use a trans-fat free brand. #9 Compounds called limonoids, found in the peel and white membrane of oranges, inhibit breast cancer in test tubes. Eat whole fruit oranges and tangerines. Look for herbal teas made w/ orange lemon peel. Use real orange and lemon oils in cooking and health drinks. #8 Eat a small bowel of dark cherries. Cherries are a top source of a compound that may inhibit mammary cancer in rats.
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